SOCIAL SECURITY

People’s town hall draws overflow crowd in Fargo

Voters gather March 27, 2025, at the Sanctuary Events Center in Fargo for a people’s town hall focused on federal policy changes. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)FARGO (North Dakota Monitor) — Air Force veteran David Kelsen stood on a stage and decried Trump administration plans to privatize health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. “The VA should never be about…

Rep. Fedorchak vows to protect Social Security during virtual town hall

U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak, R-N.D., talks to voters through a virtual town hall meeting on March 25, 2025. (Screenshot from Fedorchak website)WASHINGTON, D.C. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak told tele-town hall attendees Tuesday that Social Security benefits will not be cut as part of a budget proposal in the U.S. House. The virtual event was…

Sen. Klobuchar’s team Hears Issues Facing Seniors in Moorhead

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Staff for Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar met with leaders and advocates for the senior community on the issues seniors are facing. The meeting started with a video of Klobuchar thanking everyone for coming, and promising to continue working with her fellow senators on both sides of the isle. Seniors say they are having issues finding transportation…

MN Democratic Leaders Agree On $17.9 Billion Budget Targets, Possible Rebate Checks

ST. PAUL (KVRR/AP) — Democratic legislative leaders and Gov. Tim Walz have agreed on broad budget targets that add up to nearly $17.9 billion in new spending, including $3 billion for tax cuts. But the details of where the money will go remain to be negotiated. Agreeing on the targets was a necessary step so that legislators can begin work…

Minnesota Republican Leaders Offer “Give It Back” Plan To Deal With Surplus

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…

Noem and Jackley Warn S.D. Pharmacists About Giving Abortion-Inducing Pills

Gov. Noem Also Revealing Her Personal Cell Phone Was Hacked

PIERRE, S.D. (AP/KVRR) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Attorney General Marty Jackley say they will prosecute pharmacists who dispense abortion-inducing pills. The Republican leaders sent the warning in a letter to South Dakota pharmacists. It follows a recent FDA rule change that broadens access to the pills. South Dakota bans all abortions except to save the life of…

Xcel Energy encourages customers to be aware of scammers

MINNEAPOLIS (KVRR) — Xcel Energy is warning new and existing customers of another scam. People contacting Xcel by phone may find a number online that connects them to scammers instead of the company. Once connected, the scammer can collect Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and money upfront for services. The customer may not even realize something is wrong, because…

Minnesota Lawmakers Not Expected To Finish Work Before Deadline

The governor has signed a bill that changes several liquor laws including raising the cap on growler sales.

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — It appears Minnesota lawmakers will not get everything done before the 11:59 p.m. end-of-session deadline. It become obvious Sunday afternoon that they won’t finish on time. Lawmakers on Saturday reached a $4 billion tax relief package which includes the elimination of state taxes on Social Security income, an income tax rate cut. It also expands the renter’s…