Legislative Assembly is off and running. To date, just under 700 bills have been officially introduced and we anticipate at least 500 more before the filing deadlines. With so many bills, the task ahead can seem daunting, but we are ready to meet this challenge by staying focused on our priorities and the people of North Dakota.
We have several priorities this legislative session, including tax reform and relief, education funding, rural infrastructure development, behavioral health solutions, agricultural innovation, energy and natural gas expansion, and creating sound fiscal and regulatory policies that attract and retain business and workforce.
Property tax relief has been a major issue for many sessions. The state currently pays nearly $5.5 billion per biennium to political subdivisions to ease the burden on taxpayers. While we are always looking at ways for the state to provide additional property tax relief, we also believe it is key to focus on reform and long-term solutions that take into consideration the state’s whole tax environment. This ensures the most benefit to the most people in a way that is fiscally sustainable. This includes continuing to fund education, county social services, and local roads, bridges, and highways. It also requires considerations around caps on property tax, valuation adjustments, and other avenues to assist political subdivision in reducing costs.
Beyond ongoing funding for K-12 education, youth development continues to be a top priority. This includes mental health, school choice, and preparing and retaining students for the workforce. We must provide an excellent education that acknowledges the needs and skills of each student, alongside providing opportunities for training and career development that keep our young people living and working in North Dakota. Not only does this give our next generation the best chance of success, but it is key to solving workforce needs and bringing business to our state.
Our students are not the only solution to our workforce needs. That is why we must continue to develop flexible work opportunities and enhance our recruitment programs. These efforts put North Dakota at the forefront of attracting a dedicated and robust workforce, which is vital to our state’s success.
Another key element to attracting businesses and investment in our state is expanding our state’s existing energy and agricultural resources. Specific examples include natural gas expansion to rural areas and ensuring affordable, reliable baseload power. North Dakota has the energy resources necessary for new and expanding industries, such as AI, data centers, Uncrewed Autonomous Systems, agriculture production, and manufacturing. Our focus will be on getting energy resources where they need to be so these industries have the power they need to operate in our state, while also cutting red tape and onerous, burdensome regulations so businesses can thrive. We took a huge step last session when we removed archaic regulations around animal agriculture production and processing, and we are already seeing the benefits of this legislation.
As we move forward into the 69th legislative session, it is clear that North Dakota is well positioned for the future. We are proud to be building on our state’s current success and look forward to discussing the ideas and issues in order to make it an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
Lefor, R-Dickinson, serves as majority leader of North Dakota’s House of Representatives and Hogue, R-Minot, serves as majority leader of the North Dakota Senate.
