SEN. JUDY LEE

North Dakota lawmakers poised to act next week on federal rural health spending

Bill to expand authority of pharmacists among policy proposals to be debated

North Dakota Health and Human Services Interim Commissioner Pat Traynor speaks to lawmakers about incoming federal funding on Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota lawmakers took final steps this week to prepare for next week’s special session to authorize the spending of federal health care money. Congress last year created…

North Dakota lawmakers prepare for potential federal funds for rural healthcare

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Under a new program, fostered by the Big Beautiful Bill Act, states have the chance to receive federal funding. North Dakota is hoping to receive those funds to improve rural health care access, quality, and sustainability. “A fair amount of money will be going to programs that help rural people stay healthier, and help rural people…

States, providers awaiting specifics on Medicaid changes from US Health and Human Services

Sarah Aker, executive director of medical services for the Department of Health and Human Services, speaks during a meeting of the Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency on July 30, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)FARGO, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor/KVRR) — North Dakota health officials, health care providers, and the public are waiting for details on how the state…

North Dakota’s 6-week abortion bill becomes veto-proof

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota state senators overwhelmingly passed a bill Wednesday that would ban abortion at six weeks of pregnancy, even in cases of rape or incest. The bill has passed the Senate and House with veto-proof majorities, so it could become law without Republican Gov. Doug Burgum’s approval. It would be one of the strictest abortion bans in…

Group Misses Deadline to Block Open Records Exemption

13,500 qualified signatures were needed to get the proposal to statewide vote.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ A group seeking to overturn a new law exempting lawmakers’ communications with public employees missed the deadline to get the proposal on the ballot. Secretary of State Al Jaeger says the group headed by Dickinson electrician Riley Kuntz failed to turn in by midnight Tuesday the nearly 13,500 qualified signatures needed to get the proposal to…

Party Endorses Former KVRR Anchor For North Dakota House Seat

Austen Schauer Is Running As A Republican In District 13

WEST FARGO, N.D. — A former KVRR news anchor has been given the green light by his party to run for a North Dakota House seat. Members of West Fargo’s District 13 Republican Party have endorsed Austen Schauer for the seat being vacated by Rep. Christopher Olson. Olson, who is the district’s chairman, decided not to seek re-election due to…