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
RNC
– Perrie
NDGOP
North Dakota
ND Attorney General say July 28 abortion ban should stick
The North Dakota attorney general’s office says a motion seeking to block enforcement of a so-called trigger law that would shut down the state’s lone abortion clinic should be denied. The state says the law was administered property by Attorney General Drew Wrigley. He certified a July 28 closing date shortly after a U.S. Supreme Court opinion overturned Roe v. Wade. The clinic says Wrigley was premature in starting the 30-day countdown and should have waited for the official judgment.
North Dakota State Capitol tour enhancements unveiled
The Valley City Times Record
The North Dakota Office of Management and Budget today announced two new ways to experience a tour of the North Dakota State Capitol: self-guided on kiosks located throughout the Capitol, and virtually online.“These new tour options offer innovative gateways to enjoying the rich history, architecture and beauty of the North Dakota Capitol,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “We’re grateful to OMB and Facility Management for embracing technology to enhance and enrich the experiences of North Dakota residents and visitors in the seat of state government.”
How Biden’s executive orders on climate change affect ND
KFYR-TV
Wednesday, President Biden announced $2.3 billion in new funding to assist communities facing extreme heat and to bolster the offshore wind industry. According to White House officials, this is the first of a series of moves the president plans to take on climate…Last week, Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak testified that while the president’s larger goal of transitioning to 100% clean energy might be achievable, it will be expensive and could have “serious consequences” if done too quickly.
Shortened port hours hurt border traffic
Minot Daily News
Business has dropped off nearly 60% at Bootleggers Bar & Grill in Noonan without the Canadian traffic that owner Debbie Glasoe used to be able to depend on. Her business is not the only one hurting because of shorter port of entry hours in North Dakota…Earlier this month, Gov. Doug Burgum reiterated his request to CBP to restore pre-pandemic hours at 10 ports where daily operations were reduced by four to six hours.
North Dakota 2023 Teacher of the Year finalists announced
AM 1100 The Flag
State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced the list earlier today, each person in contest for the title, a $15,000 grant, and to be entered for the National Teacher of the Year award. “As a state, we want to lift up our educators and give them the honor and respect they richly deserve,” said Superintendent Baesler “They have handled some of the toughest educational challenges in the history of our state in recent years, and they have done it with confidence and style. These four finalists are exemplars of excellence in their profession, and all of North Dakota should be proud of them.” The list includes Bismarck Centennial Elementary teacher Abby DuBord, Northern Cass Public School third-grade English teacher Megan Margerum, Grand Forks Red River High School English instructor Ivona Todorovic, and Linton High School Business education instructor Megan Wald.
North Dakota Harvest Hotline activated
The Bismarck Tribune
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has activated the North Dakota Harvest Hotline. The service that was first implemented in 1992 helps hook up farmers who need custom combiners with commercial harvesters looking for work. “Both farmers and harvesters are already utilizing the service,” Goehring said. State agriculture department employees will answer calls to 701-425-8454 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Callers can leave a message on evenings and weekends. The service is free. A self-service Harvest Hotline map also is available again this year on the department website, http://www.nd.gov/ndda/. Click on “Resource Maps.”
Feds boost payment rates for rancher aid program; North Dakota crops in good shape
The Bismarck Tribune
The federal government has revised the payment rates for young calves under a program that aims to help ranchers hit by disasters such as the string of blizzards that pummeled western North Dakota in April…Gov. Doug Burgum declared a statewide emergency and a statewide disaster in the wake of the storms. President Joe Biden earlier this month granted a presidential disaster declaration requested by Burgum for 40 counties.
Super weed palmer amaranth found in 15th North Dakota county
The Bismarck Tribune
The super weed palmer amaranth has been found in a 15th North Dakota county. Two plants on the side of a Traill County road that were close to an existing infestation just over the county line in Cass County was confirmed to be palmer amaranth by the National Agricultural Genotyping Center in Fargo, which used DNA analysis. “While the Traill County finding has already been quickly managed, the public is urged to contact and work with their local weed officers and other experts to identify and report any suspect plants,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “Palmer amaranth may spread through multiple channels, including contaminated seed mixes; equipment and machinery; animal feed, bedding and manure; and wildlife.”
Burgum appears at TEDx Fargo
AM 1100 The Flag
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is sharing ideas on breaking boundaries at TEDx Fargo. Burgum appeared Thursday during the introductions for the TEDx Talk Conference. The theme for the eleventh annual event focuses on going beyond boundaries to look forward to what’s possible. This was Burgum’s first appearance at the event since he helped launch it in 2012. The conference welcomed 12 speakers from across the country to Fargo Civic Center to speak about their experiences.
Insurance department to analyze blockchain use on assessing uninsured motorist
Insurance News Net
The North Dakota Insurance coverage Division (NDID), along side the North Dakota Division of Transportation (NDDOT), is conducting a proof-of-concept (“POC”) leveraging blockchain know-how to establish uninsured drivers…“We’re excited to be working to search out options to an issue in North Dakota,” mentioned Insurance coverage Commissioner Jon Godfread. “Working with the openIDL blockchain platform and AAIS will assist us see if this know-how can assist remedy the difficulty via correct, well timed and verifiable data.”
Navigating property insurance
Minot Daily News
Trying to resolve issues with an insurance company on your own can be frustrating, said North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread. “Those individuals work on these products every single day. They’re well versed in the topics and so you’ll be at a disadvantage talking to them,” Godfread said. “Whereas, we can step in the shoes for the consumer. That’s our primary mission is consumer protection and consumer advocacy.” There is no direct cost to the consumer for the service. The program is funded by a tax on insurance premiums and other revenue sources.
New food assistance program announced for North Dakota children
KX News
State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and state Department of Human Services Director Chris Jones announced Thursday that 46,000 North Dakota children will be receiving a new round of food assistance funds this summer. The program is called Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer, or P-EBT. The money will benefit two different groups: Children whose households receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds, and children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
Cook’s ‘North Dakota Tour’ includes stops at WCCO, Corteva
Wahpeton Daily News
Shorma’s comments came during a visit from Dr. David Cook, the 15th president of North Dakota State University. Making his first visit to the Twin Towns Area, Cook stopped Monday at two Wahpeton businesses, WCCO and Corteva Agriscience. The traveling was part of Cook’s North Dakota Tour, a 10-day statewide journey including casual conversations with leaders, social opportunities and for the public to meet and greet NDSU Athletics staff and coaches…Other participants in Cook’s visit included Justin Neppl, director of the Southern Valley Economic Development Authority (SVEDA) and North Dakota state Sen. Larry Luick and state Rep. Cynthia Schreiber-Beck, both R-District 25. Cook said he has had warm interactions with leaders including North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, R-N.D.
North Dakota Secretary of State warning businesses about unsolicited text messages
WDAY
North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger is warning businesses about unsolicited text messages related to the filing of annual reports. Jaeger says his office has received complaints about the text messages over the past few weeks. Officials say the messages may include a false filing deadline for a business’s annual report and further encourage businesses to file the report “the easy way.” A false link is included in the text that leads to a pay page for an inflated filing fee. At least one business has fallen victim to the fraudulent messages.
Skills for All available in North Dakota
Minot Daily News
Due to an expanded partnership, the Cisco Networking Academy skills-to-job program called Skills for All will be available to all residents in North Dakota, according to the office of Gov. Doug Burgum. North Dakota is the first state to provide these courses statewide at no cost to all residents, according to the governor. The Cisco Networking Academy Skills for All program provides free, quality, mobile, self-paced, online learning aligned to industry jobs, providing a pathway to a career in technology. There are numerous courses, badging and industry certifications available, with an emphasis on cybersecurity, along with coding, networking essentials, Internet of Things (IoT) and other technology-focused courses.
North Dakota political organizers may face charges over failed ballot measure petition
AM 1100 The Flag
A group of North Dakota political organizers may face criminal charges after a failed ballot measure petition effort. Secretary of State Al Jaeger says the petition for a ballot measure to enact term limits contained some signatures that were “likely forged” and that others included “paid bonuses” for getting signatures. The bureau of Criminal Investigation is looking into the allegations. Ward County officials will determine whether to bring charges.
North Dakota ethanol plant becomes nation’s first to capture, store carbon emissions underground
The Jamestown Sun
The Red Trail Energy ethanol plant has become the first facility in the United States to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions deep underground. The milestone was announced Monday, July 18, although the injection of carbon dioxide captured from the plant started on June 16. Every day, the plant will capture about 500 metric tons of carbon dioxide produced by fermenting corn to make fuel. North Dakota officials ballyhooed the development as a major step forward in the state’s efforts to demonstrate the commercial effectiveness of capturing carbon emissions to store carbon dioxide. “By capturing and storing carbon from ethanol production, Red Trail Energy is helping to pave the way for the long-term viability of current energy sources in North Dakota with innovative and environmental stewardship,” Gov. Doug Burgum said.
Washington, D.C.
Senator Hoeven pressing federal agencies to resume longer operating hours at ND ports of entry
KFGO
In a call with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, Senator John Hoeven pressed the agency to resume pre-pandemic operating hours at the northern North Dakota ports of entry. Hoeven said the limited hours at the northern ports have forced travelers to go far out of their way in order to cross the border, not only costing significant time and money but also worsening supply chain constraints.
Sen. Cramer sounds alarm on China’s ‘concerning’ purchase of farmland near North Dakota Air Force base [WATCH]
Fox News
After a Chinese company purchased farmland in North Dakota, Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer sounded the alarm Tuesday about how “problematic” the deal is, stressing its proximity to a U.S. Air Force base. “It’s 370 acres near Grand Forks, which is in the heart of the Red River Valley. In other words, it’s very productive farmland,” said on “Fox & Friends.” Cramer said the military facility houses sensitive drone technology connected to space and satellite operations. “Proximity both to important farmland and an important air base makes this particularly problematic,” he told Brian Kilmeade.
Protecting national security in ND prime concern
Minot Daily News
North Dakota’s U.S. senators, John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, along with Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, announced recently they are looking into the matter of the agricultural land the Chinese company purchased about 12 miles from Grand Forks air base. It’s rightly so for them to do such.
ND National Guard in busiest sector of southern border
KFYR-TV
A North Dakota lawmaker says the National Guard troops at the southern border are proving to be effective. In October, about 125 guard soldiers from North Dakota traveled to Del Rio, Texas. Senator John Hoeven has traveled to the southern border several times since then, and he says North Dakota’s troops are in the thick of the border crisis. “It just shows how important the mission of our Guard is. They are now in the busiest sector on the entire southern border, trying to support what Customs and Border Protection and Border Patrol are doing,” said Senator John Hoeven. Senator Hoeven also noted how dangerous the job can be. In March, two North Dakota Guard soldiers rescued migrants from drowning while crossing the Rio Grande. The deployment of North Dakota’s Guardsmen is expected to last for about one year in total.
Feds boost payment rates for rancher aid program; North Dakota crops in good shape
The Bismarck Tribune
The federal government has revised the payment rates for young calves under a program that aims to help ranchers hit by disasters such as the string of blizzards that pummeled western North Dakota in April…The revised rates will increase compensation for young calves, according to the delegation and the Stockmen’s. For example, aid for beef cattle weighing less than 250 pounds will rise from $175 — which represented an average market price of $233 — to $474, representing a market value of about $632, according to U.S. Sens. Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven, both R-N.D…Separately, the Federal Highway Administration has awarded North Dakota’s Transportation Department $500,000 to repair federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands that were damaged by the April snowstorms in western North Dakota and by severe flooding in the east, according to Cramer.
US Baby Formula Shortage Persists, Will ‘Take A While To Fix’
The nationwide baby formula shortage that federal leaders once said would be fixed within weeks has dragged on for months, despite tons of imports and key steps forward in domestic production. Formula stock rates have been dropping since the end of February, when the US Food and Drug Administration shut down a major formula plant and issued a recall of products manufactured there after an inspection found dangerous bacteria in several areas…At Wednesday’s Senate meeting, Sen. John Hoeven, R-North Dakota, said he “can’t overstate” his concern around the formula shortage. “We have to make sure that we don’t have something like that happen again. Going forward, I think that FDA should treat essential foods such as infant formula in the same manner the agency treats essential medicines,” he said.
GOP Pushes Back on Race-Based Housing Subsidies
Breitbart
The plans would establish race-based housing subsidies that would aim to “address racial and ethnic disparities in homeownership and wealth that have persisted for generations. The Senate Republicans noted that Freddie Mac may decide to dole out these subsidies to “anyone who self-identifies as Black, Latino, or American Indian/Native American.” Fannie Mae will focus on “the needs of “Black homeowners and renters.” The Senate Banking Republicans said that the FHFA proposal seems “intent on repeating the mistakes of the recent past,” in reference to the 2008 financial crisis. Sen[.]…Kevin Cramer (R-ND)…signed on to the letter to the FHFA.
Americans brace for possible looming recession – What you can do to prepare
Valley News Live
Senator John Hoeven tweeting, “Solution is simple: each additional barrel of oil we produce in the U.S. Helps reduce prices & lowers inflation for american consumers. Plus, each barrel of oil we produce here replaces production from russia & other countries that also have little to no environmental standards.”
Biden ready to invoke ‘domestic mobilization’ against climate crisis after Congress failed
Washington Times
Republicans on Capitol Hill scoffed at the plan and questioned whether Mr. Biden has the legal authority to do it. “I don’t believe he has the power to declare a climate emergency,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer, North Dakota Republican. “I don’t think there’s such a thing as a climate emergency. There are weather emergencies, we know what those are. There’s not a climate emergency.”
House GOP Plans Multiple Probes of Biden Administration
Newsmax
House Republicans, preparing for a likely takeover of the chamber next year, are already planning a series of investigations into the Biden administration, Politico is reporting. The GOP lawmakers are getting set to look at a number of issues including Hunter Biden’s business dealings, the southern border, and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan…While the midterms remain months away, Republican lawmakers are already dividing up which committee will lead which investigation. And Republican lawmakers are also talking about the investigations with Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., about the probes, according to the news outlet. “I’ve been really impressed with leadership — both from [Rep.] Jim [Jordan], from [Rep.] Jamie Comer, from Kevin’s office — in already starting to talk about that,” Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., said.
