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Thursday, November 21, 2024

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Federal inquiry traces payments from Gaetz to women; a new Florida-Puerto Rico partnership poised to transform higher-ed landscape; MT joins Tribes to target Canadian mining pollution; Heart health plummets in rural SD and nationwide; CO working families would pay more under Trump tax proposals.

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Transgender rights in Congress, a historic win for Utah's youngest elected official, scrutiny of Democratic Party leadership, and the economic impact of Trump's tax proposals highlight America's shifting political and social landscape.

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The CDC has a new plan to improve the health of rural Americans, updated data could better prepare folks for flash floods like those that devastated Appalachia, and Native American Tribes could play a key role in the nation's energy future.

ND loudly says 'no' to showing most property taxes the door

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Wednesday, November 6, 2024   

North Dakota voters have rejected a closely watched ballot question which called for largely doing away with local property taxes.

Backers of Measure 4, which would have prohibited local governments from levying property taxes based on assessed value, argued North Dakota homeowners are in need of relief. They also said the state takes in enough money to cover lost revenue when removing the option.

Nick Archuleta, president of the teacher's union North Dakota United, part of a coalition opposing Measure 4, said even with the outcome, state lawmakers need to be aggressive about enacting reforms.

"It's very clear that many North Dakotans are upset with their property taxes," Archuleta observed. "The Legislature has some work to do."

Still, the union said it's relieved local communities will retain control at a time when their schools have aging infrastructure needs and teacher recruitment issues. A similar ballot question dealing with property tax elimination was rejected by North Dakota voters in 2012.

Despite the measure failing, Archuleta pointed out North Dakota school districts often struggle to get bond issues passed for building upgrades and other needs and it is about a lot more than just local residents feeling skittish.

"In North Dakota, there's a threshold. You can't pass a bond to build a school or to repair the schools at a large cost with less than 60% of the vote," Archuleta explained. "That's a very high standard to hit. "

He is hopeful certain ideas being floated gain traction when the Legislature reconvenes early next year. They include a recommendation from a coalition of education leaders and school district officials to create a state fund for school facility improvements.

Disclosure: North Dakota United contributes to our fund for reporting on Children's Issues, Education, and Livable Wages/Working Families. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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