budget

Minnesota Lawmakers Focus on Possible Budget Compromises

But Republicans and Democratic Gov. Dayton have lots of divides to bridge

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota lawmakers returned from a week-long break with their eyes on the budget. Their return marks the beginning of the rush to agree to a new, two-year budget that will likely exceed $45 billion. But Republicans and Democratic Gov. Dayton have lots of divides to bridge. The GOP is pursuing nearly $1 billion or more in…

NDSU Nursing School on the Chopping Block?

The school in Bismarck has been targeted by an amendment to the budget to be returned to Sanford Health

FARGO, N.D. — The budget deficit in North Dakota could lead to additional cuts at NDSU. State lawmakers are considering cutting the nursing school in Bismarck. Hospitals in the metro depend on graduates from local nursing programs. An amendment to the higher education funding bill has caused some confusion among state lawmakers. It states that neither the higher education board…

Homeless Coalition Estimates $250,000 Loss in FM Shelter Funding

ND Lawmakers are considering budget cuts which take more than $1 million from state homeless shelters

FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota lawmakers are considering cutting more than $1 million from state homeless shelter funding. It’s a big concern for a group dealing with homelessness in Downtown Fargo. Cody Schuler, a director at the FM Coalition for Homeless Persons, estimates a $250,000 loss from state funding of Fargo-Moorhead’s homeless shelters if  lawmakers follow through with budget cuts. Schiler said…

MN House Republicans Propose $45 Billion Budget

House Speaker Kurt Daudt has suggested phasing out Social Security income taxes and reducing agricultural property taxes

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota House Republicans are looking at a roughly $45 billion two-year budget. Legislative leaders are considering cuts to some health care programs and state government agencies while drumming up nearly $1.4 billion in tax relief. House Speaker Kurt Daudt has suggested phasing out Social Security income taxes and reducing agricultural property taxes. They could have…

ND Lawmakers Looking to Make Drastic Budget Cuts

The shortfall is blamed on the slumping oil and agriculture economies

  BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota legislators have some tough cuts ahead. Newly updated forecasts show a $46.3 million drop in previously expected tax collections. The current two-year budget period ends on June 30. The state treasury is also forecast to take a $103 million hit for the next two-year budget. The shortfall is blamed on the slumping oil and…

Fargo Superintendent Thanks Voters for Helping Schools Move Forward

In a growing city, Dr. Schatz says the passage of this mil levy will help keep Fargo schools afloat

FARGO, N.D. — Fargo Public School officials are rejoicing and thanking the community after a “Yes” vote passed the district’s mill levy. More than 70% of voters approved the plans, allowing the district to receive tax dollars based on city growth or changes in property value. A “No” vote would have kept tax dollars collected at the 2015-16 fiscal year…

Lawmakers Update the Public on the Current Legislative Session

Democrats and Republicans each gave seperate updates in Fargo and Casselton

FARGO, N.D. — We’re about halfway through the North Dakota legislative session and discussions are getting heated up. Democratic representatives from District 44 gave brief updates on the session so far and answered questions from citizens. “The District 44 legislators had a great time today visiting with our constituents about issues that are important to them and some of the…

Republican Legislators Talk Budget, Higher Ed Cuts, DAPL and Hopes for President Trump

Politics and Plate was held for legislators to tackle and discuss important issues in North Dakota

FARGO, N.D. — It just might be every Republican’s favorite way to spend the noon hour. Lunch…with a side of politics. The United Republican Committee hosted “Politcs and a Plate” at the Holiday Inn and invited the public to talk with lawmakers about their concerns. Issues regarding medical marijuana, behavioral health needs and autism insurance were just a few of the topics…

Minnesota Preps for Budget Surplus

Gov. Dayton says he expects the projected $1.4 billion surplus from November to remain mostly unchanged

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota lawmakers are getting ready for a new estimate on the state’s expected budget surplus. Tuesday’s forecast will allow lawmakers to begin divvying up the state’s funds in a variety of competing areas. Gov. Dayton says he expects the projected $1.4 billion surplus from November to remain mostly unchanged. Dayton has said he wants to…

ND House, Senate Adjourn Until March

Lawmakers in both chambers voted on a few final bills before adjourning for the mid-session break

  BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota House and Senate have both adjourned until Wednesday March 1. Lawmakers in both chambers voted on a few final bills before adjourning for the mid-session break. When the session continues next week, the House will take action on Senate bills and vice versa. It will be day 37 of the legislative session which…