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Census data show more than 100,000 North Dakotans have some college credits, but no degree. Unpaid tuition or other school debt is cited as one reason why it's hard for these individuals to re-enroll. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

ND looks to ease 'upskill' obstacles for former college students

This summer, colleges and universities will have to comply with a new federal rule and not withhold students' transcripts over unpaid tuition and …

The Congressional Budget Office estimated as early as 2023, Social Security might have a harder time paying full benefits to beneficiaries because program revenues will not be keeping up. (Adobe Stock)

Possible cuts to Social Security come back into focus

Congress just avoided a partial government shutdown by approving a budget through the end of September, but a new blueprint is renewing debate about …

U.S. researchers said there is a belief that boosting lawmaker pay might lead to more working-class legislators, but their information gathering does not back that up. North Dakota lawmakers are part-time, only meeting in Bismarck every other year. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Working class woefully underrepresented in state legislatures

In North Dakota and all other states, the backgrounds of people serving in state legislatures largely leave out a key demographic, the working class…

In a national report evaluating states on how much they support public education, North Dakota earned 98 out of a possible 111 points. (Adobe Stock)

ND makes grade in national report evaluating public school support

North Dakota is sometimes swept up in national rhetoric about public schools. However, the state fares well in a new report looking at how much it …

When North Dakota lawmakers reconvene in 2025, they're expected to consider ideas from a task force about getting more teachers into classrooms. The panel is just beginning to hold discussions. (Adobe Stock)

ND task force zeroes in on teacher recruitment

This coming Thursday, a new task force will meet to advance discussions about boosting teacher recruitment and retention in North Dakota. The panel …

A new poll regarding North Dakota's Legacy Fund shows voters want the agency in Bismarck overseeing investments to shift their focus, including leveraging the account for property tax relief. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Big disconnect between North Dakotans and 'people's fund'

In a new poll, North Dakota voters say they'd like to see big changes to the state's Legacy Fund, which operates as a savings account funded by oil …

In a multistate project, Summit Carbon Solutions wants to capture carbon emissions from Midwestern ethanol plants and run those emissions through a maze of pipelines to be stored underground in North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

ND law at center of carbon pipeline fight now under scrutiny

A North Dakota lawmaker is calling into question a state law change that drew a lot of attention this week. At issue is a regulatory decision for a …

Leading up to a 2023 vote to overhaul its pension system, North Dakota had an underfunded liability approaching $2 billion. (Adobe Stock)

National report issues cautionary tale after ND pension overhaul

CLARIFICATION: North Dakota will be closing its main public pension plan next year. An earlier version of this story did not indicate that several …

According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, 23 million lower-income households have benefited from the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program. (Adobe Stock)

Federal funds drying up to keep internet service on for low-income households

Low-income households across the United States now face a deadline to sign up for federal funds that give them a break on their monthly internet bills…

Policy experts say as it now stands, roughly 19 million children in the U.S. don't benefit from the federal Child Tax Credit because their families' incomes are too low. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Child Tax Credit could see another expansion with new deal in play

Congress is poised to consider renewing the expanded Child Tax Credit and policy analysts said the latest effort could help tens of thousands of North…

North Dakota's Department of Environmental Quality said its new survey regarding water quality threats will not lead to policy or regulation changes but could help staff better identify which waterways are of greater concern. (Adobe Stock)

Concerned about water quality? ND wants to hear from you

In early January, some North Dakotans might be daydreaming about summer water activities but certain forms of pollution remain a threat to various …

Cognia, a nongovernmental organization that accredits primary and secondary schools, says declining birth rates might make it harder for colleges and universities to maintain solid enrollment in the coming years. (Adobe Stock)

To boost enrollment, public university systems go big on tuition discounts

States like North and South Dakota are in a fierce battle to keep college affordable as public schools navigate the ebbs and flows of enrollment trend…

In a new educator union poll, North Dakota teachers say they don't feel district administrators, school boards and elected officials respect their opinions and experience. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Teacher retention issue in ND not improving

Eighty-eight percent of North Dakota teachers feel that school districts will have a harder time keeping enough staff next school year, according to …

For now, U.S. farmers have certainty about commodity policies and other USDA programs with the Farm Bill being extended another year. But conservation groups hope Congress is aggressive in approving a robust long-term plan well before the next deadline. (Adobe Stock)

Sigh of relief for Farm Bill, but advocates stress it's temporary

This week's move by federal lawmakers to advance another temporary government budget also means the Farm Bill, which recently expired, is extended…

In 2012, North Dakota voters rejected a proposed ballot question to abolish property taxes. They may be asked a similar question next year if a proposed measure is approved for the 2024 ballot. (Adobe Stock)

ND property tax plan spurs debate about hurting local schools, governments

There are warnings of cuts to municipal governments and schools, and some loss of local control for budget decisions, amid efforts to eliminate …

The North Dakota Child Care Action Alliance said the state needs about 10,000 more childcare slots to meet the demand for young children with working parents. (Adobe Stock)

ND childcare crisis: What's the next step during session gap?

North Dakota's special legislative session on budget technicalities did not bring many surprises. Groups wanting to see more action on child care …

The U.S. Department of the Interior currently manages 11,000 bison in herds across 4.6 million acres of public lands in a dozen states. (Adobe Stock)

Native American Tribes get funding for bison restoration

The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced $5 million in funding to help reintroduce bison to Native American Tribal lands around the country…

Policy analysts said the Farm Bill is generally a bipartisan issue, but reauthorization can get held up by spending disputes over certain programs, especially the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. (Adobe Stock)

ND Farming Community Joins Push for Jumpstart on Farm Bill Talks

North Dakota farmers and fellow producers from around the country are in Washington, D.C., this week, calling on Congress to prioritize the soon-to-…

While several states adopted new school voucher bills this year, the Brookings Institution says another nine expanded existing programs. (Adobe Stock)

ND Public Schools State Their Case Amid Voucher Debate

New research is sharpening the focus on the debate over public funding for private school vouchers. And with North Dakota kids back in class…

Associations for Community Health Centers say if Congress do not extend federal funding, nearly seven million patients around the United States could lose access to primary care. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Record Demand, Community Health Centers Confront Key Obstacles

This week is National Health Center Week. The facilities help to close care gaps in underserved communities, and regional and national leaders hope …

People speaking up for reproductive rights claim calls by Republican attorneys general, for law enforcement to still have access to medical records for out-of-state abortion care, not only want it to pursue potential criminal investigations but also to scare women from seeking abortions. (Adobe Stock)

Concern Lingers Over Privacy Rule Opposition Regarding Abortion Care

Civil rights advocates in North Dakota hope the federal government keeps pursuing plans to expand privacy protections for patients seeking out-of-stat…

Findings compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation give North Dakota high marks in some areas when it comes to child well-being, including kids' overall health. (Adobe Stock)

Policy Experts 'Look Under the Hood' for Child Well-Being in ND

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened. States like North Dakota fared better in the overall …

Human rights advocates point out in 2023, North Dakota adopted nearly a dozen laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community. (Adobe Stock)

Tracing the Origins of ND's Anti-Transgender Laws

Human rights voices are calling attention to new North Dakota laws deemed hostile toward LGBTQ+ individuals, saying it is part of a movement led by …

The Human Rights Campaign says so far in 2023, it has tracked more than 460 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in statehouses across the country. More than 190 aim to specifically restrict the rights of transgender people. (Adobe Stock)

Anti-Trans Bills in ND Give Way to 'Government Overreach' Messaging

In the coming days, North Dakota's governor will decide whether to sign several bills targeting transgender individuals. LGBTQ advocates say no …

Supporters of providing no-cost school meals to all students argue that it helps them learn better, reduces stigma, and provides financial relief to working families. (Adobe Stock)

ND Lawmaker: Still Hope for Expanding School Meals

This week, the North Dakota Senate rejected a plan to expand eligibility for free school meals, but the idea has support from many agencies and …

The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 is a federal law governing the removal and out-of-home placement of American Indian children. A challenge to the policy could result in the U.S. Supreme Court either scaling back or overturning the law. (Adobe Stock)

ND Considers Child Placement Protections for Tribal Families

A North Dakota Senate committee hears a bill this week which would enshrine protections for Native American children who have to be placed in foster o…

In 2021, North Dakota's community health centers recorded more than 127,000 visits. Leaders say these facilities save the state money by providing certain care that keeps patients out of emergency rooms. (Adobe Stock)

Workforce Issues Prompt Plea from ND's Community Health Centers

Nearly 30 states provide direct funding to community health centers, and there's a push to add North Dakota to the list. Supporters say the extra …

North Dakota's pension system for state workers has more than 50,000 members. (Adobe Stock)

Pension Overhaul for ND Under Microscope

North Dakota is eyeing changes to the retirement plan offered to state employees. Future hires would be moved to a "defined contribution" plan…

A North Dakota coalition says the state needs about 10,000 more childcare slots to meet the demand for young children with working parents. (Adobe Stock)

Funding Levels Focus of ND Childcare Debate

As anticipated, improving childcare access is getting attention at the North Dakota Capitol this year. One emerging bill deals with funding support…

This year's debate over school funding in North Dakota is expected to consider formula changes to deal with declining enrollment. (gpointstudio/freepik)

ND Education Funding Debate Comes Into Focus

Teachers and their advocates said a proposed funding increase for North Dakota's public schools looks promising, but they hope lawmakers take it a …

On January 24th, AARP will lead advocacy day at North Dakota's state capitol, in hopes of getting more focus on issues such as prescription drug costs. (Adobe Stock)

ND Lawmakers Urged to Look at Drug Costs, Fraud Restitution

North Dakota lawmakers are scheduled to return to Bismarck early next month. They'll hear calls to help older residents, with the cost of …

The NLRB is responsible for administering and enforcing the National Labor Relations Act of 1935. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

ND Union Voices: More Funding Needed for NLRB

With a wave of unionization sweeping across America, the agency that oversees labor relations is struggling to keep up. Union leaders in North Dakota …

The North Dakota Child Care Action Alliance recommends the state commit $150 million in annual funding to supplement the wages of current workers and the anticipated need for additional child-care staff. (Adobe Stock)

Better Wages Highlight Latest ND Child-Care Plan

When North Dakota lawmakers reconvene next month, they'll have a host of recommendations for improving child care to consider, including a new policy …

Supporters of boosting wages for childcare workers in North Dakota say low pay is fueling the lack of available care. They say some families report traveling 80 miles roundtrip to bring their children to a provider. (Adobe Stock)

Guarded Optimism Surrounds ND Child Care Plan

Advocates for expanding child care in North Dakota are responding to the governor's proposal to improve access across the state. They said it is a …

With more certainty surrounding federal tax credits, supporters of renewable energy say developers will give the green light to more projects in the coming years. (Adobe Stock)

Measuring the Inflation Reduction Act's Economic Potential for ND

The Inflation Reduction Act has made headlines for clean energy provisions and prescription drug cost reform for Medicare recipients. A labor leader …

A new report says saddling young offenders with debt, such as restitution, limits their opportunities for positive growth that can keep them out of trouble in the future. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Juvenile Justice Restitution Laws Need Reboot

States like North Dakota need to re-imagine their restitution laws for juvenile offenders, according to a new report, which showed the payments often …

With climate and market volatility in play, farmer advocates say now is not the time for Congress to reduce funding for crop insurance. (Adobe Stock)

ND Group: Farm Bill Impacts Every American

Congress wants to know what Americans would like to see in the next Farm Bill. Producer advocates in North Dakota say it is something everyone should …

The monarch butterfly is among the more than 110 vulnerable wildlife species in North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

Funds for ND Part of Federal Wildlife Plan in Congress

The biggest investment in wildlife conservation in decades cleared the U.S. House this week, and supporters said if the Senate follows suit, North …

Citing lower demand than other states, North Dakota officials returned a significant portion of emergency pandemic rental aid to the federal government this year. But officials say the state still has roughly $200 million on hand for those who need it. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Improvements, ND's Rental-Aid Issues Persist

Some North Dakota groups are renewing calls for the state to be more efficient in dispersing emergency pandemic rental aid. They say improvements …

PFAS are used in a wide range of products, including cookware. Scientists say as a result, most humans have been exposed to these harmful chemicals at some point in their lives. (Adobe Stock)

Grassroots Awareness Builds about 'Forever Chemicals'

Compared to other states, North Dakota has not seen a lot of documented water contamination from the "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated and …

A new reform package approved by Congress is expected to save the U.S. Postal Service more than $100 billion over the next decade. (Adobe Stock)

ND Postal Workers See Brighter Future with Reform Law

After years of attempts, a bill designed to reverse troubled finances at the U.S. Postal Service has cleared Congress. It is viewed as a major …

North Dakota's only food bank says currently, hunger affects one in six individuals across the state, and one in four children. (Adobe Stock)

Higher Costs, Budget Decisions Prompt More Food Scarcity Concerns

Nearly 9% of North Dakota households do not have enough to eat right now, and the push to expand free meals for students at school appears to have …

In the past 25 fiscal years, Congress has approved nearly 130 temporary budget extensions. (Adobe Stock)

Stopgap Approach to Federal Budget Hurts Community Groups

Short-term budget extensions are often used by Congress to keep the federal government funded, and with another budget deadline looming, community …

Without enough support for sustainable agriculture, some industry groups say extreme weather events will put more pressure on farmers and ranchers, leading to higher food prices. (Adobe Stock)

Climate Report Spurs Calls for Diversity in Ag Production

After last year's extreme drought in states such as North Dakota, a new United Nations report found it will be harder to adapt to future effects …

Over the course of the pandemic, North Dakota has received more than $350 million in federal aid to help struggling renters, but says it has sent back roughly 40% of that money unspent. (Adobe Stock)

ND Opts to Return Much of Federal Rent-Relief Funding

North Dakota has returned a significant portion of the rental assistance provided by the federal government in the pandemic, and groups working …

Child-care advocates say if North Dakota doesn't boost funding for the system, more families might pull out of the workforce because of access issues. (Adobe Stock)

ND Leaders Urged to Think Big on Child-Care Spending

BISMARCK, N.D. - A portion of American Rescue Plan funding sent to North Dakota has yet to be divvied up. Groups that want to improve the child-care …

Since 2016, job vacancies have trended upward in North Dakota, going from fewer than 14,000 to nearly 18,000 over a five-year period. (Adobe Stock)

ND Labor Group: Federal Plans Can Help With Job-Recruitment Barriers

MANDAN, N.D. -- North Dakota has had nearly 18,000 job openings in recent months, with roughly 1,000 in construction. A labor leader in the trades …

Over the past year, Community Action Partnership of North Dakota says 611 weatherization jobs were carried out across the state, along with more than 1,200 emergency furnace repairs. (Adobe Stock)

Beyond Road Repairs, Infrastructure Bill Boosts Home Weatherization

FARGO, N.D. -- This month, Congress could give final approval to a $1 trillion infrastructure bill. With cold weather on the horizon, there could be …

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ND: Budget Policy & Priorities