FUNDING

F-M Diversion Project Asking For Public’s Input

There are concerns that the FM diversion project will move faster than money is collected to fund it

FARGO, ND– The Cass County Joint Water Resource District is asking the public for its input about funding the diversion. People previously voted to use sales tax to fund the diversion project. However, there are concerns that the pace of the project will move faster than money is collected. Homeowners who the flood wall would benefit the most are asked…

House Speaker Attempting to Block Minnesota Lawmakers’ First Raise Since 1999

The Association for Government Accountability is filing a petition in court to ensure the paychecks are to begin being distributed

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — A government watchdog group is trying to get Minnesota lawmakers their first raise since 1999, but a top political leader is trying to block it. A voter-approved council granted the $14,000 raise last fall but House Speaker Kurt Daudt said lawmakers didn’t set aside money to cover it. The Association for Government Accountability is filing…

Governor Dayton Reverses Decision on Minnesota’s Tax Bill

Some Republicans say Dayton exceeded his constitutional authority

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Governor Dayton has reversed course on his decision not to sign the Tax Bill and allow it to become law without his signature. He issued a statement around 11 o’clock last night saying he “did” sign the bill to fulfill the requirements to protect the funding for the Department of Revenue. There is still…

Dayton Eliminates Funding for House and Senate, Said Republicans Launched “Sneak Attack”

Governor Dayton has signed nine so-called "Budget Bills" to avoid a government shutdown

MOORHEAD, Minn. — Governor Dayton has signed nine so-called “Budget Bills” to avoid a government shutdown. But he said he considers some of the Republicans actions a “sneak attack.” He is allowing the Tax Bill to become law without his signature. He used the line-item veto to strip funding for the House and Senate for four years saying the job…

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Work Plan Includes Funding for Flood Protection in the F-M Area

A groundbreaking was held last month for the inlet structure near Horace

  RED RIVER VALLEY — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s Fiscal Year 2017 work plan includes $20 million for permanent flood protection for the Fargo-Moorhead region. The funding will support the construction of an inlet structure, as well as the design of further flood control features and environmental mitigation projects. A groundbreaking was held last month for the inlet…

No Budget Deal Yet: Minnesota Lawmakers Have Until Midnight

Both sides are trying to avoid the first government shut down since 2011

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota legislative session ends at midnight and there is still no agreement on the budget. Both sides have agreed to make changes to original proposals, but divisions remain on what areas to focus on within the nearly $46 billion budget bill. Republicans favor returning much of a $1.6 billion surplus in the form of…

ND Senators Hoeven and Heitkamp Working to Secure Funding for DAPL Costs

WASHINGTON D.C. — North Dakota could receive millions of dollars in federal funding to help reimburse the state for costs incurred during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Both Senators Heitkamp and Hoeven have worked to include grant funding in the Department of Justice’s budget. Hoeven is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The state must submit an application to…

Gov. Dayton Says He’s Willing to Compromise on Transportation Funding Debate

Dayton still says he thinks a 10-cent tax increase is the best route

Minnesota State Capitol  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Dayton is softening his opposition to Republicans’ tax hike-free approach to funding transportation repairs in Minnesota. Dayton and lawmakers have struggled for years to pass a major road and bridge funding package amid partisan divides over how to pay for it. Dayton still says he thinks a 10-cent tax increase is the…

ND Lawmakers Approve Penalty Bill for Attacking Emergency Workers with Bodily Fluids

Violators could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine

  BISMARCK, N.D. — Lawmakers have also approved a bill that would extend criminal penalties for anyone who attacks health care and emergency workers with a bodily fluid. Violators could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. They have also approved the creation of a 19-member commission to study the state’s initiated and referred measure process….

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…