Gov. Burgum Trying to Make Good on Giving Back His Salary

The governor will retain his state-paid health insurance

BISMARCK, N.D. — Gov. Burgum has made some progress on his campaign pledge to give back his salary.

Senate budget writers have accepted an amendment by Burgum that would pay him only $1 a year.

The full Senate still must approve the change.

The governor will retain his state-paid health insurance.

Burgum has said he would forgo his $130,000 annual salary due to tough spending decisions with a downturn in the state’s energy economy.

But current rules may force him to take the money, donate it and pay the taxes.