GOV. DOUG BURGUM

Burgum, Cramer told there are no plans to move migrants to North Dakota

Detainees in CPB border facility (photo by Rep. Henry Cuellar)FARGO (KVRR) – A spokesman for Gov. Doug Burgum says there are presently no plans to move migrants who cross the U.S.-Mexico border to northern states, including North Dakota. According to emails reviewed by the Washington Post, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is overwhelmed and wants the Biden administration to transport…

Gov. Doug Burgum Recovering From Hip Surgery

BISMARCK, N.D. — Gov. Doug Burgum is recovering this weekend after undergoing hip replacement surgery. The 64-year-old Republican had surgery Friday to replace his left hip. Gubernatorial authority was briefly delegated to Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford on Friday morning. Sanford said he didn’t take any actions before Burgum resumed his authority. Burgum issued a statement saying the surgery went well…

Burgum receives first dose of Moderna vaccine

Gov. Doug Burgum receives a COVID-19 vaccination.BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – Gov. Doug Burgum received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday as North Dakota reached another pandemic milestone with all counties now having health care providers serving the Phase 1C vaccine priority group. The governor received the Moderna vaccine during a drive-through vaccine clinic at the Bismarck Event Center.  First…

Burgum says harassment ‘unacceptable’ following expulsion of Simons

BISMARCK (KVRR) – Gov. Doug Burgum’s office has issued a statement regarding the ouster of Republican Rep. Luke Simons. “Harassment of any kind is unacceptable in the workplace” Burgum said, in response to a question about the expulsion from KVRR News. Simons was expelled after being accused of threatening and sexually harassing women. Lawmakers say Simons engaged in a “pattern…

Senate approves measure to limit Burgum’s declarations

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Senate has endorsed legislation that would limit emergency or disaster declarations by a governor and allow the Legislature more oversight of executive branch action. The bill was passed along party lines on Thursday. All seven Democrats in the Senate opposed the measure.  It now heads to the House. The legislation was inspired by a rash…

Burgum orders state agencies to evaluate impacts of Biden energy directives

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – Gov. Doug Burgum signed an executive order Tuesday directing state agencies to determine the impacts of President Biden’s executive orders on North Dakota’s energy industry and to identify opportunities to challenge Biden’s orders. “The Biden administration’s recent executive orders pose a serious threat to American energy security, our nation’s economic growth and the tens of thousands…

Burgum lowers statewide COVID-19 risk level to ‘green’

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – Gov. Doug Burgum says with active COVID-19 cases at their lowest level since August, the statewide risk level is being adjusted from moderate/yellow risk to low/green risk. The change goes into effect Friday, Jan. 29 at 8:00 a.m. A low risk level increases the recommended occupancy limit for bars, restaurants and other food service establishments from…

North Dakota Dept. of Human Services will temporarily take control of refugee resettlements

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – Gov. Doug Burgum says the North Dakota Dept. of Human Services will temporarily administer the federally funded refugee resettlement program in North Dakota to preserve in-state control after Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota unexpectedly announced its closure. “North Dakota has had decades of proven success at integrating refugees who are fully vetted by the U.S….

Burgum announces streamlined spill reporting system

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – Gov. Doug Burgum says North Dakota has a more efficient system to report oil spills and other releases involving hazardous materials. “This simplified system gives producers and the public a one-stop option for reporting hazardous material spills instead of having to report spills to multiple state agencies” Burgum said. Burgum says planning began in 2018. Last…