BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — A Fargo nonprofit pushes for a North Dakota Senate bill that would charge an access fee to citizens every time someone dials 988 during a behavioral health emergency. It’s similar to North Dakotans paying 50 cents every time you hear a tornado siren except people would only pay 30 cents. FirstLink handled more than 15,000 calls…
ST. PAUL (AP/KVRR) — Leaders of the Republican minority at the Minnesota Legislature roll out a $13 billion “Give It Back” plan in response to the states latest budget surplus forecast. Republicans announced their plan a day after state budget officials released an updated forecast showing that the surplus has remained stable at $17.5 billion. Higher-than expected revenues helped offset…
FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Workers at Fargo’s three public libraries put together displays to show which books could no longer be offered if two bills in the North Dakota Legislature become law. “We do not have adult porn available in our public schools, so why are we finding persuasive, obscene pornographic images and materials in our schools? In testimony we…
MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Minnesotans remain passionate about some house and senate bills in the legislature including gun and ammunition storage, paid family leave and abortion. They participated in a town hall at Moorhead Public Library hosted by DFL State Senator Rob Kupec. Kupec’s critics were vocal about government overreach regarding gun control while supporters backed him for supporting bills…
WASHINGTON (KVRR) – North Dakota Senator John Hoeven calls Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra pressuring him to end Covid-19 mandates saying they’re hurting rural hospitals and care facilities. The Biden administration plans to end its public health emergency in May. Hoeven also wants the federal government to end the Covid-19 vaccine mandates for federal employees and contractors and…
BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — North Dakota House passes three bills dealing with state income tax reductions. One would eliminate the tax for single filers making under $44,750 and for married filers making under $74,750. It sets a flat tax rate of 1.5% for higher-income earners. Another bill gives tax credits of $800 for single filers and $1,600 per married filers…
BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota Representative Kelly Armstrong is in Bismarck to talk about the work he is doing in Washington, D.C. Armstrong addressing both the North Dakota Senate and House. He told state lawmakers about four new bills just introduced in the U.S. House including an online notary bill and Pick Sloan Irrigation bill which gives farmers access…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Senate moved Tuesday to restore voting rights to convicted felons as soon as they get out of prison instead of continuing to require them to complete their parole before they can cast a ballot. The Senate took up the “Restore the Vote” bill less than a week after the Minnesota Supreme Court upheld…
MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — A bill in the Minnesota legislature would provide twelve weeks of paid family leave to employees and in special circumstances allow an additional twelve weeks. “It will apply to the birth of a newborn child, a medical emergency, or taking care of an elderly parent would be one of the things that could be covered under…
BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — North Dakota House passes a bill that would require schools to designate their athletic team for male, female, or coed participation based on biological sex. Those speaking in favor of the bill argued it is about women’s rights and opportunities. Opponents, such as Democratic Rep. Jayme Davis of Rolette, said schools already have requirements for trans…
