Summarizing the 2007 Congress

We are now at the end of 2007 and the results are in--on record, that is, and the record is dismal for the “New Democrat Congress”. Most of the year was frittered away at impotent and useless attempts at legislation that would deny funding to our military efforts in Iraq, and as a result make a difficult situation worse. Make the situation so bad, in fact, that President Bush would have to pull the troops out and abandon Iraq; a complete and utter failure-- the ultimate embarrassment to President Bush and the Republicans.

The Congressional Democrats failed--it didn’t work. Thanks to President Bush, and his commitment to the people of Iraq and the American ideal of freedom, a new plan and renewed effort called the “surge” is now bringing significant success and hope to millions of people. Even as late as September congress called hearings to further question our leaders in Iraq and try to convince the American people that Iraq was a lost cause. It was at this time that the Democrats and the Left Wing of their party slimed General Petraeus by calling him “General Betrayus” in a paid advertisement in the New York Times newspaper.

Even as the Democrats in congress were brow-beating General Petraeus, the news coming from Iraq was showing positive results that the surge was working. The Iraqi people, both Sunni and Shia, were fed up with the terrorists and were turning to the American military and aiding them in the fight against al Qaeda. The tide had already started to turn in August: violence and killing dropped in September and October; November and December brought continuing improvements and much of the civil life of Iraq is returning to pre-war activities.

The Congress of 2007 revealed the true colors of the Democrat Party that wants to run the country. In less than a year we have seen their weak-kneed support of Freedom. We have seen their disdain for our Armed Forces. We have heard their apologies for America. In the election year 2008 the voters of America will have the chance to tell the Democrats and their radical Left-Wing that we have had enough of them. Our country needs leaders who believe in America and will stand up for Freedom. A Free World depends upon American leadership.
- Hal Neff, Bismarck

Holiday Greetings from State Headquarters

Sitting down to enjoy a rare moment of quiet, my thoughts turned to recent happenings in my short tenure as your party chairman. Let me begin by saying, these last few months have been challenging, educational, and very rewarding. I have concluded that North Dakota’s most valuable resource is her people—people like you who help to make this a great place to live, work, worship and play!

A few highlights as the year 2007 passes into deep winter:
1) Governor Hoeven has announced his candidacy for Governor in the fall. With his enormous popularity and track record of substantial achievement across the board—in business opportunity, energy development and agricultural innovation—we have a tried and true leader at the top of a great ticket for the fall election.
2) The slate of candidates for state office and the legislative seats continues to surprise and delight. From Adam Hamm as Insurance Commissioner to those vying for the open seat on the PSC, and numerous individuals across the state with outstanding potential to enhance the legislature, I can hardly wait for the outcome.
3) With the visit of Presidential hopeful Rudy Guiliani last month followed by the Republican National Chairman, Mike Duncan, it looks as though the Presidential race will continue to be interesting. This gives many of you a rare opportunity to be involved at a national level, if you so choose.
4) The meetings held for the District Chairs in Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and Bismarck were very well attended. As Executive Director Mike Schatz and I presented material to enable the leaders to carefully plan and effectively finance the upcoming campaigns at the District level, we were very impressed with the level of interest and commitment from these outstanding Republicans.
5) I have been very encouraged by the response to the campaign to raise funds for the “300 in 300” initiative. We have launched a program to send personal notes from District Chairs to potential donors each month. Because of the cooperation of local leaders and the great staff here at headquarters, we have seen a very positive early response.

I would like to close by saying that these last few months have given me hope—hope that excites and motivates me to move into the New Year with energy and enthusiasm for the 2008 election cycle. America is the world’s best hope, because America is made up of people like you. Thank you for the privilege of leading the way into a successful year! Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a New Year full of Hope! Gary Emineth Chairman

Speaker Pelosi Refuses to Protect the Salvation Army - - Even at Christmas

For me and, I suspect, many of you, Christmas time is synonymous with the Salvation Army -- those volunteers in Santa hats ringing bells for donations in red kettles. The many Americans who give and the many Americans who are helped every year during the holiday season are, for me, what the Salvation Army is all about.
Which is why it is so unbelievable to me that, as I write this, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D.-Calif.) continues to refuse to protect the Salvation Army from being sued by the United States government for requiring its employees to speak English on the job.
In an attempt to appease anti-English radicals in the House, Speaker Pelosi is holding up a bill that would protect employers such as the Salvation Army for being harassed by the government for simply requiring that they employees speak our common language. You can read my past commentaries on this issue here and here.
So, on behalf of the majority of Americans who want to see the English language encouraged and protected as our common language, my message to Speaker Pelosi is this: "'Tis the season, Madame Speaker. Give the gift that keeps on giving. Protect American charities from being sued for requiring that their employees speak English on the job."
Your friend,
Newt Gingrich

C'mon, give the money to someone who really needs it!

State Republican Party Chairman Gary Emineth would like the North Dakota Democratic Party to donate a $10,000 contribution linked to Richard ‘Dickie’ Scruggs, who has been indicted in a judge bribery plot.

“We continue to see the Democrats accepting money from questionable sources to fund their statewide operations.” said Emineth. “What exactly did Scruggs get from our Congressional Delegation for that $10,000? Someone had to ask for that donation, so something must have been promised for it.”

Scruggs is a Mississippi trial lawyer who has reportedly made almost $850 million from tobacco and asbestos litigation. He now stands accused of judicial bribery stemming from litigation involving Hurricane Katrina insurance payouts. On Monday of this week, the FBI raided the law office of attorneys hired to defend Scruggs.

Even Hillary Clinton does not want to be associated with Scruggs. Her campaign has cancelled a fundraiser scheduled in Scruggs home December 15th. “If Scruggs’ money is too dirty for even the Clintons, it should be too dirty for our state,” stated Emineth.

Records on file with the ND Secretary of State’s office document that Scruggs donated $10,000 to the ND Democratic-NPL Party on October 26th, 2006.

Emineth would like to see the ND Democrats donate the $10,000 to charity. “In the spirit of Christmas I think that $10,000 would do a lot of good for several non-profit organizations in North Dakota.”

Dems don't want success in Iraq

By Brent McCarthy

The biased liberal media will not report the success of the troop surge. Our troops have the terrorists on the run. This is not good news for Democrats who were banking on the defeat of our troops to put their candidate in the White House. The push is on to bring about the defeat of our troops before the election, the gloves are off, and they want to cut off funding.
Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-ND, (after condemning Limbaugh for defending our troops) is now leading the charge for defeat. He wants “redeployment.” Just like “comprehensive immigration reform” is a code for “amnesty,” “redeployment” is a code for “surrender.” Our troops don’t need to go anywhere else to fight terrorists, there are plenty in Iraq and more arrive daily.
Our troops were sent reinforcements, it turned the tide. There is safety in numbers so troop casualties are down. The sad truth is that Democrats want troop numbers reduced so that the media will be reporting increased troop casualties by election season. This is what they desperately want when they say they want to “reduce troop levels in Iraq.” It’s not about money. Compared to what we spend on entitlements, the cost of the war is pennies.
We know that many in the most self absorbed generation will never understand. This is after all the generation that was so scared of its own shadow that it caused the defeated of our brave troops in Vietnam from home and then spit on them when they returned. When the men and women in Iraq today signed up for the military, they knew what was going on. They watch the news. They knew they would end up over there. They were not drafted. They believe in the cause. Unlike its predecessor, this is a brave and noble generation. Let’s tip our hats to them, give credit where credit is due and give them the funding and support they deserve.
Contact Byron Dorgan today and tell him that we support our troops, and expect him to set aside the needs of his party and start supporting them also.

State Representative Vig should be more informed

By Susan Shearer, Harvey, ND / Letter to the Jamestown Sun

As a state representative, Benjamin Vig should be more informed of the actions the North Dakota state government is taking to help address rising fuel prices within our state. While the biggest factor in fuel prices is the national and world oil markets, Gov. John Hoeven and his administration have done everything in their power to bring relief to North Dakota consumers.
For example, it was not long ago that Hoeven pushed for and received a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency to allow importation of Canadian winter blended fuel earlier than normal to address the fuel shortage, and he waived the hours of service for truck drivers hauling fuel into the state to help keep prices down. Above all, he has remained in continuous contact with regional refineries and pipeline authorities to insist that more fuel is shipped to our state and that fuel prices are kept at a more reasonable level.
His work in the energy sector, however, does not stop there. He recently chaired an Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission meeting, which was held in September to address these and other issues throughout the Rocky Mountain and Upper Great Plains regions.
Vig also ignores all the work the governor has done to promote alternative fuels, which help to bring down prices and promote less reliance on foreign oil. A few years ago, North Dakota produced less than 40 million gallons of ethanol a year. Under the Governor’s leadership, new facilities already operating and other plants that are now being planned and constructed will produce a half a billion gallons.
All of this was ignored in Vig’s recent letter, however, making it seem as though he is more interested in erroneously pointing fingers when his time as a state legislator could be better spent working with North Dakota’s leaders to help tackle such issues and expand North Dakota’s energy capabilities.
(Shearer is president of Harvey Sand & Gravel Inc.)

In case you missed it... ND Bucks Economic Head Wind

Forum Editorial:
North Dakota’s economy is thriving in the face of an economic downturn across the Midwest. That’s the good news from Creighton University’s Mid-America Economic Survey, one of the more reliable and credible economic assessments of the nine-state region.
Professor Ernie Goss of Creighton said the region’s overall economic signs are not unlike those that preceded a recession in 2001. His Business Conditions Index for November dropped below neutral 50 to no-growth 49.1, the first sub-50 reading since 2002.
But North Dakota bucked the trend with a remarkable 71, a jump from October’s 69.3. North Dakota’s index was the strongest in the surveyed region, and Goss attributed the state’s strong economy to the Canadian dollar (shoppers coming south), a great year on the farm and continued expansion of the energy sector.
The news from the Creighton survey comes just days after an excellent post-Thanksgiving shopping weekend in North Dakota’s major cities. The pace of shopping has not slipped, despite a few days of bad weather and record-high gasoline prices. When holiday shoppers come out and spend, it means they have disposable income and are anticipating the good economy will last. Consumer confidence confirms the Creighton findings.
Other factors contributing to the economic strength in North Dakota include job growth and export sales. The state has added some 3,300 good-paying manufacturing jobs in the past few years. The state’s ranking for exports and export businesses jumped last year, as entrepreneurs took advantage of state support to find and exploit new overseas markets.
Among the “head winds” that are slowing the national and regional economies is the subprime mortgage lending debacle. Again, North Dakota bucked the trend by not jumping on to the subprime bandwagon. Banks with state roots and home-grown bankers exercised traditional caution and did not get sucked into the storm that is buffeting the national economy. Free of that negative factor, the state’s increasingly diversified economy continues to thrive.
Today’s issue:
Regional survey finds North Dakota economy is in excellent shape.
Our position:
Diversification will help state weather a looming national downturn.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper’s Editorial Board.

Mathern Spending Plans

North Dakota state senator Tim Mathern has announced his bid for the Democrat Party nomination for governor. Mathern is an incumbent senator from Fargo who many of you will recall, in the legislative session of 2007, co-sponsored the ND Senate Concurrent Resolution 4022: the purpose of this resolution was to have the North Dakota legislature direct President George W. Bush to immediately pull the U.S. troops out of Iraq. Mathern sponsored that resolution at the very time that the U.S. military was planning remedial action in Iraq. The surge, as it was called, has proven to be so effective that less than 8 months later Iraq and Baghdad are returning to peaceful commerce.
In a Nov. 30 interview with Mr. John Irby, editor at the Bismarck Tribune, Mathern proposes, as a centerpiece of his campaign, state paid health care for all North Dakota children--no matter the income, no qualifications or restrictions. There were no questions asked about who or how this would be paid for, and Mathern offered no details.
The 2008 election is nearly a year away, and the next legislative session is to begin in 2009. There is great anticipation of a “nice” budget surplus awaiting the next legislative session--Mathern has already begun to spend it.
Hal Neff

War critics silent

Silence. That’s all you hear. Silence.
You would have thought by now that they would have the maturity to admit it. But no, they still remain silent. Hoping, I suppose, that no one would notice. Well, I have.
I just thought that I would remind the people of North Dakota of the fact that not too long ago some people in our state would have us believe we were losing in Iraq. And that we should cut our losses and “redeploy.” Well, where are those people now? Hiding in the corners right where they should be, that’s where.
Newspapers all over the country are trumpeting the news that our brave American servicemen and servicewomen are winning the war in Iraq. Al-Qaeda has abandoned Baghdad, former residents there are returning home and businesses once attacked by the insurgents are reopening. They feel safe again.
One would think that those who opposed the troop surge in the first place would breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate with us at this great victory. But no, silence.
I have to wonder where are the congratulatory remarks to our military commanders from those who opposed the surge in the first place? Where are the press releases from ranking government officials stating that while they were honest in their opposition to the surge at first, they now are happy that it in fact did work? Where are they?
No. We are not really surprised at their silence. But we will remember. We will remember those who honestly disagreed with a policy decision yet failed to rejoice in the victory. Let there be no doubt.
- Jeff Langley

North Dakota on the right track

In a recent letter (Nov. 15), Brad Mills condemned the progress that our state is making, once again reiterating that Mills and other Democrats would rather see North Dakota in the despondency of the late 1980s than admit that North Dakota is on the right track. It seems they would rather replace the partisan barriers that hinder this state’s continued growth than work together to move this state forward.
He and many other critics ignore the fact that this state is indeed making great headway. We are coming out of those stagnant years of the 1980s as evidenced by North Dakota’s economic growth. In fact, under Gov. John Hoeven’s leadership, the state’s economy has grown
50 percent, or nearly $1 billion a year, since 2000. Incomes and wages in the state continue to increase faster than the national average, and a record $120 million tax relief package will help North Dakotans to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. This past session, a cap was also placed on tuition increases to help slow that trend.
As the state progresses, our smaller communities are also seeing the positive effects as both the traditional and renewable energy industries develop in our rural areas. In addition, renewable energy ventures are offering North Dakota’s farmers more value-added agriculture opportunities than ever before.
As long as a majority of North Dakotans don’t contract the negative, partisan attitude that the Democrats are continuously trying to spread, this state’s future holds numerous possibilities for an even more prosperous future, much of which is thanks to the groundwork laid by Gov. Hoeven’s administration.
- Jim Strege, from The Forum

No recess for the Senate

This past week Americans watched the U.S. senate in action, or to be more accurate, the U.S. Senate "inaction". There on national TV news was our very own Senator Byron Dorgan, D-North Dakota presiding over the U.S. Senate as he called the session to order. That was easy enough since there were no other Senators present in the chamber and there was no business to conduct; hence, Dorgan declared the senate adjourned for the day. The whole thing took all of five minutes. This same procedure was replicated several days in a row over the Thanksgiving Holiday week with the express purpose to keep the senate in-session so President Bush could not make any appointments to federal offices--all of this the brain-child of Senate leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada.
This whole thing looks so childish, and coming from a legislative body of 100 grown-ups. Then, again, maybe this week of "sham sessions" produced some of the senate's finest work of the entire year. Another reason to be thankful.
- Hal Neff

North Dakota Short of Energy?

As reported in the news Senator Dorgan, D-ND chaired a hearing November 20 at Bismarck of the Senate Sub-committee on Energy and Water Development; purpose of the hearing was to delve into the recent shortages of gas and diesel motor fuels, and the resultant high prices, in North Dakota since late summer. Written and oral testimony was received by the senator from six representatives of the industry who spoke for retailers, distributors, refiners, and pipelines plus the Deputy Administrator of the Energy Administration. Questions by the senator were directed at all of the panel asking to how the severe shortage of gasoline and diesel fuel developed and why it seemed to affect North Dakota more than any other area.
The testimony revealed that a combination of events came together--a rain/flood in Kansas, a refinery down for planned upgrades, and essential maintenance of others created a shortage of product in the central area. Capacity is coming on line and the situation is easing, but supplies of gasoline are still tight and diesel is very tight. Winter grade diesel is very low and home heating oil is also very low; mild weather so far this fall has kept the shortage from becoming severe.
Here is an interesting twist; North Dakota now produces about 125,000 barrels of crude per day; just under half of that is refined in-state to fuel products; the remainder of the crude and much of the refined product is piped out of the state (amount not specified at the meeting). During this shortage period from late summer to present, the pipeline terminals at Fargo and Grand Forks have been out of product or severely limited. As a result tanker trucks must go to Alexandria, Mn. or further, to wait in line sometimes for 12 hours, to get product and haul it back into ND. This gasoline and diesel product may be the same product produced at Mandan, now being hauled back.
Near the conclusion of the one hour and 45 minute meeting the question was asked of the panel, “What do you see as the solution to this problem?” The answer takes two forms which are nearly the same in the end: the short term solution is more refining capacity by adding to existing refineries; the long term solution is building new refineries. So, building refineries is the solution. Does that surprise any one? How long have we known that? A dozen years, or more?
Senator Dorgan said that Congress is now at work on a new energy bill--how reassuring. This will be the umpteenth energy bill out of congress since Nixon was president; all of them intended to free us from the dependence on foreign oil. The dependence has increased every year since and the price continues to go up. We are importing gasoline and diesel fuel from Mexico and Canada because we can’t refine our own crude. There has not been a new refinery built in the U.S. for over 25 years. So, Senator Dorgan, how will the “new” energy bill fix that? Hal Neff

Adam Hamm for Insurance Commissioner!

Election year will soon be upon us and the candidates are preparing their announcements. One very important post whose occupant will be determined by the voters next November is that of ND Insurance Commissioner. It appears as though one of the candidates looking for the support of his party is Representative Jasper Schneider. I'll tip my hand and come right out with the fact that I intend to support our incumbent Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm, but before my endorsement I'll share a few reasons why.

Jasper Schneider has a well documented record of hopping merrily from project to project without ever really seeing any of them through to their logical conclusions. Schneider has spent two years as an Attorney, and apparently lost interest in that venture. He's spent one year as a State Legislator, elected by the people of his home district, and quickly decided that gig wasn't for him either. Now he's decided he wants to become Insurance Commissioner, which raises some legitimate questions. Jasper is 28 years old and has shown a pattern indicating an inability to commit to one job. Is it reasonable to expect ND voters to take a chance on a candidate whom, based on past precedent, will not stick with the job he is elected to? Is it the responsibility of voters to help him weed through jobs, worse, elected positions, like so many sock drawers, until he finds the one he likes?

In some of Schneider's first comments regarding the Insurance Commissioner position, he said that the post would give him a platform from which to help handle the state's troubled Workforce Safety and Insurance Agency. Given the fact that the Insurance Department has no regulatory involvement with WSI, this begs the question(s)--does he even know what statutory authority the Insurance Commissioner has, AND that any change in this role involving WSI would require legislative action (a role he apparently can't wait to desert)?

For my money, Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm deserves our votes next November. He has a proven record of commitment and dedication as a successful Attorney for nearly a decade including the difficult prosecution and conviction of Kyle Bell for the murder of 11 year old Jeanna North. The people of North Dakota should expect, and in fact deserve an Insurance Commissioner who brings a depth of experience to the job instead of a year or two of this or that.

Posted by: J. Trandem

Duncan wraps up a busy Republican week in ND

RNC Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan had a very busy day in Fargo Friday as he hosted a Rountable Discusssion, College Republican Meeting and a Cass County Grassroots Meeting. Between each event his time was filled with media interviews.

Chairman Duncan explained the role of the RNC as one that focuses on nominating a Republican Presidential nominee, promotes the Party Platform and of course, does a little fundraising. He, of course, did not comment on the current Republican Presidential hopefuls, since he needs to remain neutral.

During his meeting with the College Republicans, Duncan talked more about his history and how he got into politics. He has been fortunate enough to work on 5 Presidential campaigns, dating back to Richard M. Nixon. He encouraged the students to stay involved, volunteer and look at some of the opportunities the RNC has to offer.

We were very fortunate to have Chairman Duncan visit our great state at a time that the Republican Party is gearing up for the next election cycle. Thank you, Chairman Duncan!

RNC Chairman in Fargo today

RNC Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan is in Fargo today meeting with major donors, state legislative leaders, media representatives and others to hear what is on the mind of North Dakota Republicans.

It has been an exctiting day so far, with many people voicing their opinions and sharing ideas. A summary will be posted later.

Candidates' similarities differ

Apparently Democratic Representative Jasper Schneider is willing to go against his party’s bandwagon and quit in the middle of his first term to run for State Insurance Commissioner. Apparently it is ok for a Democrat to only serve a quarter of his freshman term as an elected official, while the Democratic Party continues to rant and complain about Republicans.

The Bismarck Tribune has said that a race between Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm and Schneider would be interesting because of their similar backgrounds – they are both attorneys. That is where it ends.

For almost a decade, Hamm has handled high profile cases and gained a wealth of knowledge and experience as an attorney. Conversely, Schneider has been with his family’s law firm for only 2 years.

Hamm’s substantial experience as an advocate for people speaks for itself and makes him the clear choice.

Don't miss Governor Hoeven's Campaign Kickoff

Gov. Hoeven's Re-election Campaign Kickoff

Tuesday, November 13th, 2007

Fargo at 9:00 a.m.

Echelon Corporation, 1749 38th St. S. – 1-29 Frontage Road

Grand Forks at 12:00 p.m.

UND Center for Innovation, 4200 James Ray Drive

Bismarck at 3:00 p.m.

Bismarck Technical Center, 1200 W. College Drive

Minot at 6:00 p.m.

Holiday Inn, 2200 Burdick Expressway E.

Conrad & Dorgan oppose Mukasey

WASHINGTON - Both of North Dakota's senators voted against the nomination of retired judge Michael Mukasey as attorney general, saying he should be more specific about the government's definition of torture.Mukasey was confirmed late Thursday by a 53-40 vote. Six Democrats and one independent joined Republicans in sealing his confirmation.
North Dakota's two Democratic senators, Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad, joined other members of their party in voting against his confirmation because of his refusal to say whether the waterboarding interrogation technique is torture."That's just not acceptable," Conrad said Friday.Dorgan agreed, saying the debate over torture is a "defining issue in terms of this country's character and moral authority."Waterboarding, used by interrogators to make someone feel as if he or she is going to drown, is banned by domestic law and international treaties. But U.S. law applies to Pentagon personnel and not the CIA. The Bush administration won't say whether it has allowed the agency's employees to use it against terror detainees.
Both North Dakota senators said they also opposed Mukasey because of answers during his Senate confirmation hearing that left open how much power he would allow the president. Senators sought to pin him down on how much legal leeway he would give the president, as authorized in the Constitution, beyond laws that have been approved by Congress.The struggle over the balance of power was a hot topic during the confirmation hearings, underscoring two issues confronting the Justice Department - the extent of presidential authority to eavesdrop on terror suspects, and congressional subpoenas to force administration aides to testify about whether politics influenced the firings of nine U.S. attorneys last year.
"The implication of his answers were that the president has almost unlimited power," said Dorgan.Conrad said that issue raises serious questions in his mind."The courts interpret the law, not the president," he said.Mukasey replaces Alberto Gonzales, who was forced from office over his handling of the Justice Department

Pelosi priorites questionable - this blog is not true.

Apologies are in order...this was not checked out and is not true.

Boy, are we in trouble... This woman is frightening. Take special note of the last paragraph. Is she really this whacked out?

Nancy Pelosi condemned the new record highs of the stock market as "just another example of Bush policies helping the rich get
richer". "First Bush cut taxes for the rich and the economy has
rebounded with new record low unemployment rates, which only means wealthy employers are getting even wealthier at the expense of the underpaid working class".

She went on to say "Despite the billions of dollars being spent in Iraq our economy is still strong and government tax revenues are at all time highs. What this really means is that business is exploiting the war effort and working Americans, just to put money in their own pockets".

When questioned about recent stock market highs she responded "Only the rich benefit from these record highs. Working Americans, welfare recipients, the unemployed and minorities are not sharing in these obscene record highs". There is no question these windfall profits and income created by the Bush administration need to be taxed at 100% rate and those dollars redistributed to the poor and working class". Profits from the stock market do not reward the hard work of our working class who, by their hard work, are responsible for generating these corporate profits that create stock market profits for the rich. We in congress will need to address this issue to either tax these profits or to control the stock market to prevent this unearned income t o flow to the rich."

When asked about the fact that over 80% of all Americans have investments in mutual funds, retirement funds, 401Ks, and the stock market she replied "That may be true, but probably only 5% account for 90% of all these investment dollars. That's just more "trickle down" economics claiming that if a corporation is successful that everyone from the CEO to the floor sweeper benefit from higher wages and job security which is ridiculous". "How much of this 'trickle down' ever gets to the unemployed and minorities in our county? None, and that's the tragedy of these stock market highs."

"We democrats are going to address this issue after the election when we take control of the congress. We will return to the 60% to 80% tax rates on the rich and we will be able to take at least 30% of all current lower income tax payers off the rolls and increase government income substantially." We need to work toward the goal of equalizing income in our country and at the same time limiting the amount the rich can invest."

When asked how these new tax dollars would be spent, she
replied : "We need to raise the standard of living of our poor, unemployed
and minorities. For example, we have an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in our country who need our help along with millions of unemployed minorities. Stock market windfall profits taxes could go a long ways to guarantee these people the standard of living they would like to have as 'Americans'."

It's time to get rid of the children in Congress

Jeff Miller, Rugby

In most homes with small children, there is always an additional resident. Whenever something is broken or spilled and a parent asks who is responsible, the answer is always “not me.” As the children grow and mature, Mr. Not Me usually moves away. It has always been a mystery as to where every Mr. Not Me goes to.
We now know the answer. Every Mr. Not Me ends up in Washington. No matter what happens in D.C., the culprit is always Mr. Not Me. Whether it is Congress or the administration, Mr. Not Me is the bad guy who stops Washington from working. Listen to any career congressman trying to explain why nothing ever gets done and he or she will always say the magic words, “It’s not me!!”
Mr. Not Me seems to flourish in settings where cronyism, corruption, careerism and complacency are the norm. No place is more awash with those four “Cs” than Congress. They have more excuses for failure than a 6-year-old caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Of course, in case of Congress, it is the taxpayers’ cookie jar that is being raided.
Since it is not very likely that our elected officials in Congress are going to mature and grow up, as our children did, the only way to get rid of Mr. Not Me is to get rid of the children in Congress. In other words, they all need to be voted out. These career cookie-jar raiders will continue to fail the American people until they are given a permanent time out.

Franken needs a better list

Somehow it came to our mailbox addressed to me here at Bismarck. Al Franken is looking for money to support his run for the Democrat nomination as Senate candidate in Minnesota. I’d say this mailing missed the mark. Franken has this to say, “the Republican slime machine has ramped up its attacks on me”. I say that’s a switch--he is the slime-source and fountain of crude and demeaning jokes about our country’s leaders for years. Franken states in his mailer, “I’ll never sell out my principles to the highest bidder”. As the saying goes, “you can’t sell what you don’t have”.
Hal Neff

Week of November 12th an exciting one for Republicans in North Dakota

Governor Hoeven will kick off his 2008 re-election campaign in 4 locations across the state on Tuesday, November 13th. He will begin in Fargo at 9:00 am and finish up in Minot at 6:00 pm.
The complete schedule will be posted on the NDGOP website later this weekend.

Mayor Rudy Giuliani will arrive in Fargo on Wednesday for a fundraiser. There is a very nice luncheon planned at Seasons at Rose Creek.

The week will be capped off with RNC Chairman Mike Duncan stopping off in Fargo Friday for several meetings with area Republicans. Listen for him on Scott Hennen's show, as well.

What an exciting week!

In case you missed it, Grand Forks Herald applauds Centers of Exellence

OUR OPINION : Centers of success
Published Sunday, November 04, 2007

Are they Centers of Excellence or centers of extravagance?
Some lawmakers seemed on the verge of asking that question when the most recent grant requests came up for review.
The legislators were smart to be skeptical. Notably, though, the centers passed the Legislature's test. They should pass North Dakotans' test, too: The centers use a proven method of economic development that has worked in other states and shows every sign of working here.
Earlier this week, state lawmakers approved $10 million in grants to four North Dakota colleges, The Associated Press reported. The money is going to six "Centers of Excellence" projects, including $4 million in two grants for UND. The first UND grant will help study and launch a medical device that could help stroke victims by dissolving blood clots. The second will research an aerial drone.
So, why give taxpayers' money to such projects in the first place?
The answer is this: As experience in other states showed, smart spending by careful governments can leverage private dollars and create good jobs. North Dakota leaders saw that happen elsewhere and decided to try it here.
These "public-private partnerships" have their roots in North Carolina. In 1959, a committee of business, government and academic leaders targeted some acreage near Raleigh and Durham, N.C., for focused development. The result was Research Triangle Park, a project meant "to attract research companies from around the nation to locate in a parcel of land surrounded by the state's research universities," the park's Web site, www.rtp.org, reports.
In 1959, North Carolina was a low-status and low-wage backwater, the Web site notes. Today, "more than 39,000 full-time equivalent employees work in RTP with an estimated 10,000 contract workers. These employees have combined annual salaries of over $2.7 billion. The average salary in the park is $56,000 annually, nearly 45 percent larger than the regional and national average."
Many states followed North Carolina's example. Utah's experience, from North Dakota's perspective, was especially important: In 1986, the Utah Legislature set up a Centers of Excellence Program "for the express purpose of supporting university-based, industry-supported cooperative research and development," the Utah Business and Economic Review recalled in 2006. The project's goal was to "develop technologies with commercial potential" by creating new companies and helping existing firms.
The study in the economic review was titled, "Utah's Centers of Excellence Program: A 20-Year Review." Its conclusion: "(I)t is evident the program has been successful in generating new companies. At least 65 ongoing businesses in Utah trace their roots directly to technologies funded through COE. These companies employ between 1,500 and 1,800 people thereby contributing to the state's economic base."
Furthermore, the "cost per job" of those 1,500 to 1,800 positions comes in at about $27,500, the study reports. "This estimate compares favorably to the $35,000 per . . job limits imposed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the $50,000 limit per new job imposed by the Small Business Administration."
North Dakota modeled its own Centers of Excellence program on Utah's.
Purists object that all companies ought to just rise or fall on their own. But most North Dakotans, like most Americans, long ago recognized that some government programs help rather than hurt.
State-supported universities are a classic example. Every UND student enjoys a "mini-G.I. Bill" of sorts, in that North Dakota pays a share of UND's per-student costs. The story is the same in every other state.
And the results of these and other controlled interventions are clear. "The U.S. has regained its status as the world's most competitive economy thanks to strong innovation and excellent universities, according to a survey released Wednesday by the World Economic Forum," The Associated Press reported this week.
Some government programs don't work. But some do; and by using safeguards such as legislative review, requiring a $2 match in private funding for every $1 in state aid, tracking the number of jobs created and so on, Centers of Excellence seem on their way to becoming a policy success.
Tom Dennis for the Herald

Senator Edward Kennedy lectures Judge Mukasey about water torture

At long last, Senator Edward Kennedy faces the judge to talk about the human fear of drowning and the panic that grips the victim as they go under the water. It’s inhuman and it’s cruel according to the Senator’s ten minute long statement before the judge. It should not be done to anyone. This lecture, coming from Senator Kennedy, was directed at Judge Michael Mukasey, the President’s nominee for Attorney General of the United States. Thanks to the C-SPAN coverage of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings this past week, we got to see this unbelievable spectacle--Senator Kennedy in peak form at his outraged best--lecturing a U.S. District Judge about water torture.
- by Hal Neff

Hoeven good for North Dakota

Val Bruels, Minot

John Hoeven is a very good governor and Mikey Hoeven is a wonderful first lady. I know my opinion is not unique since Hoeven enjoys the highest approval rate in our country and has for some time. But, it needs to be said because there is, already, a daily onslaught of personal attacks against the governor and the first family. The sad thing is that it is one sided. Hoeven has never resorted to the type of mudslinging, name calling and vindictiveness being employed by opponents.The results of his leadership are all around us. North Dakota was the only state not to lose jobs during the recession in the early years of the new century. The governor has set the tempo of our state’s entry into the high tech world of the new economy. This tempo has allowed companies like Cirrus Design, Microsoft and Marvin Windows to continue to expand in North Dakota. It has also created an environment for projects like the Blue Flint, Red Trail and Spiritwood, which are creating more jobs and better paying jobs while creating new markets for our farmers. We are now a world player.He has accomplished all this without engaging in silly partisan games, personal attacks, name calling or dirty tricks. Our governor has proven that real leadership means getting the job done for the citizens of North Dakota.Our state is moving ahead thanks to the leadership and vision of our governor. North Dakotans are proud of what has been accomplished and look forward with confidence to the future. For that, we all owe a very big thank you to Gov. John Hoeven.

Attacks on Governor Hoeven's accomplishments are foolish

Eric Halvorson, Fargo

The silly season has already started. Usually, it doesn’t really begin until the year of the actual election. But some folks must have a whole lot of time on their hands. So far, the favorite target of these silly season songbirds is Gov. John Hoeven, who is busy leading our state.
These silly season songbirds are a diverse group. They include members in good standing on all sides of the political spectrum. There is one distinctive trait that all of these cowboys share. They only look in one direction; backward. They are like the words of the old cowboy song, “They saddle their horses up backwards because they only want to see where they’ve been.”
Fortunately, our governor has his eyes and his administration firmly focused on the future. Under his “can do” leadership, North Dakota is successfully moving into the new economy of the 21st century without sacrificing the timeless features that have made this state a great place to live and raise a family.
Ronald Reagan said that great things can be accomplished if you don’t worry about who gets the credit. Hoeven and the people of North Dakota are accomplishing great things because they aren’t worried about getting credit. hat is why the voters will ignore the rantings and ravings of these silly season songbirds and sign up John and Mikey Hoeven for another term.

North Dakota Leaders comment on Schafer nomination

Governor John Hoeven issued this statement: "Former Gov. Schafer’s appointment is a great opportunity for North Dakota farmers and ranchers, as well as for North Dakota’s rural communities, to have their voices heard in Washington. His knowledge of rural economies, as well as his relationship with our congressional delegation, will be a great asset as he takes on the responsibilities of the nation’s chief agriculture officer. We extend our congratulations to Gov. Schafer. This is a real honor for North Dakota.”

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson says he's happy former Governor Ed Schafer has been nominated as federal agriculture secretary. Johnson says Schafer is predictable and a good administrator. He says it's an honor for North Dakota to have someone nominated for ag secretary.

The leaders of North Dakota's two biggest farm groups say they anticipate former Governor Ed Schafer being a popular federal agriculture secretary. State Farm Bureau President Eric Aasmundstad and Farmers Union President Robert Carlson both say they look forward to working with Schafer.

Senator Kent Conrad released the following statement today regarding the announcement that President Bush has nominated former North Dakota Gov. Edward Schafer to be his next Agriculture secretary. "I just congratulated Governor Schafer and said I welcomed his nomination as a fellow North Dakotan. I hope he will support this Farm Bill, which is good for our state and the nation. I look forward to speaking with him about his views on the Food and Energy Security Act currently under consideration."

Putting N.D. on the map

From Kim Koppelman:

Most eyes in our region were focused on a football game more than 200 miles away on Saturday – the contest between the North Dakota State University Bison and the Minnesota Gophers. You could almost hear the cheers all the way from the Metrodome when the Bison defeated the Gophers, avenging a 1-point loss last season in a game during which they had outplayed their Big Ten opponents, but came up just short on the scoreboard.
West Fargo’s own Tyler Roehl was a star of Saturday’s game for the Bison, setting a new school rushing record. Our community can be proud of this former Packer.
This weekend’s events are significant because the Bison’s performance, to a great extent, represents North Dakota, and not only on the athletic field.
Formerly a dominant Division II football program, NDSU overcame naysayers and scoffers when it made the move to Division I a few years ago. In classic fashion, the school and its athletic teams demonstrated that reaching for greater things pays far better dividends than allowing others to convince you it can’t be done.
They not only made the transition and were competitive, they are now the No. 1 team in what used to be known as the NCAA’s Division
I-AA.
North Dakota has often been the underdog, and we’ve often surpassed expectations. North Dakota native and former national newsman, Eric Sevareid, once said “North Dakota is a rectangular-shaped blank spot on the nation’s consciousness.” Very true. That’s not a slam. It doesn’t mean that our state has a bad reputation – just that, for many, it has no reputation. People simply don’t know much about North Dakota.
A professional who moved back to North Dakota from across the country in order to work here told me that when he moved in and met his new neighbor, the neighbor asked where he had moved from. When he told him, the neighbor asked, “Why would you want to live here?”
Now may be a good time for all of us to take stock in our state and realize how much we really have to offer.
It’s up to those of us who live hear and love this place to put North Dakota on the map. That’s happening more and more, today, on many levels. Of course, North Dakota has long been a renowned agricultural leader, often called the “breadbasket of the nation,” but more is going on here.
From the athletic field to the business world, from higher education to quality of life indicators, North Dakota is being noticed and is surpassing expectations. I’m impressed, as I visit with legislators, governors, judges, business leaders and others around the nation, to learn that those who know something about North Dakota usually have something good to say.
The nation is fast discovering what companies like Microsoft and football teams like the Minnesota Gophers have realized – North Dakota is a place to be reckoned with.
North Dakota natives applying for jobs in other states are often hired on the spot, when employers familiar with our work ethic learn where they’re from. Now, many of those quality, home-grown folks are coming home, recalling that the place where they grew up is a pretty good place to sink roots, build a future and raise a family.
If all of us puff out our chests a bit, maybe it won’t violate our culture of modesty, after all. In fact, a mention now and then of what a great place North Dakota is will get the word out and help us grow and build for the future. Instead of wringing our hands about out-migration, slow population growth, weather, or any of the other tired, familiar themes we’ve complained about, now may be a good time to see the glass as half-full instead
of half-empty and play a part in taking our state to new levels
we’ve never seen before.
Together, we can do it. After all, we’re from North Dakota.
Koppelman, R-West Fargo, has represented District 13 in the N.D. House of Representatives since 1994. He is chairman of the Constitutional Revision Committee and member of the Political Subdivisions and Judiciary committees.

In case you missed it....Mathern not leadership material

From the Minot Daily News:

Tim Mathern's attempts to show he’s ready to be governor aren’t working
Tim Mathern seems intent on showing he’s worthy of being governor by continually criticizing plans involving the state penitentiary. It isn’t working.Mathern is exploring the idea of running for governor, although he’s not made an official announcement. His latest attempt to demonstrate his gubernatorial mettle has him at odds with Tim Schuetzle, the warden at the State Penitentiary in Bismarck.Mathern, a Democratic state senator from Fargo, says a recent review by the American Correctional Association shows that the prison meets all mandatory standards for accreditation. That, Mathern reasons, means the state shouldn’t spend $42 million to remodel and expand the main penitentiary, and it certainly shouldn’t spend more than $100 million to build a new facility.Schuetzle says the review does not address the penitentiary’s shortcomings. He says the audit does not show there isn’t a need for improvements.Mathern shouldn’t forget that he and the rest of the Legislature created the current mess involving the prison issue. In his budget, Gov. John Hoeven proposed spending $42 million to remodel and expand parts of the prison facility, and set aside money to pay for it up front. But the Senate and the House couldn’t agree on anything, and the Legislature ended up doing nothing to solve the prison issue – other than creating a committee to study the subject, although the corrections department had already done that prior to the 2007 session.Mathern is saying that our state prison meets the mandatory standards for accreditation, so the prison is good enough.He’s wrong. The prison isn’t good enough. It has areas that need fixing now, not later. In his role as governor, Hoeven tried to address those problems. His efforts were continually thwarted – by state lawmakers like Mathern. If Mathern can’t understand this issue, maybe he shouldn’t run for governor.

Don't miss the Republican Roundup!

BISMARCK, ND – Today Republican State Chairman Gary Emineth emphasized the importance of the upcoming Republican Roundup. “We are one year out from the 2008 elections which makes this a great time for Republicans to gather and strategize for the upcoming campaign season,” said Emineth. “We look forward to a strong showing in 2008 as Governor Hoeven, with his strong leadership, runs for reelection at the top of our ticket.”

Emineth also stated, “That various leaders of Presidential Campaigns will be in Bismarck over the weekend of October 26 & 27. They include Tagg Romney, son of Mitt Romney, Mark Campbell, National Political Director of the Giuliani Campaign, and Rich Galen, National Advisor of the Thompson Campaign. Even though this Straw Poll is non-binding, it will give us an indication about how the Party may vote during the February 5th Presidential Caucus. During that Caucus we will determine the number of delegates each Republican Presidential Candidate will receive at the National Convention.” The Republican State Central Committee recently changed their bylaws, requiring a candidate to receive a minimum of 15% of the total ballots cast to be eligible to receive any of North Dakota’s National Convention Delegates.

Tagg Romney coming to Presidential Preference Straw Poll

Tagg Romney has been officially confirmed as a guest speaker at the Republican Party's Presidential Preference Straw Poll. Tagg, one of five sons, will speak on behalf of his father, Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney.
We are extremely excited to have the Romney campaign represented during the Straw Poll, which will be held during the Republican Roundup October 26th & 27th.

In case you missed it, Grand Forks Herald says it nicely:

Here's a tip for North Dakota Democrats who'd like to use “eight years is enough” as a campaign theme against Republican Gov. John Hoeven:
Don't.
The double standard is so laugh-out-loud funny that the speaker might as well be wearing a clown suit.
Here are some things that would have to be true in order for prominent Democrats' call for term-limiting Hoeven to be believed:
-- Their suggestion that “eight years is enough” would have to apply to the state's congressional delegation, too.
But it doesn't. Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., has held his current Senate seat since 1992. He held the seat now occupied by Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., for six years before that. That's a total of 21 years.
Speaking of Dorgan, he was elected to the Senate in 1992, 15 years ago. Fifteen years: That would be eight years plus seven years, “eight is enough” Democrats should recall. And before getting elected to the Senate, Dorgan served in the House for 12 years.
As for Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., he also was elected to Congress in 1992, 15 years ago. In 2000, Pomeroy ran for his fifth term against Republican John Dorso. Funny, but we don't recall “Eight is enough” being used against Pomeroy in that campaign, at least not by Democrats.
-- In 1991, the Democrats were telling then-Gov. George Sinner, a Democrat, that he shouldn't run again. But they weren't. Several times in 1991, newspaper stories analyzed Sinner's prospects for getting reelected to a third term, the Herald's archives show. Not one of those stories quotes a Democratic leader saying anything close to “eight is enough.”
-- Leading Democratic spokespeople for the “eight is enough” view also apply that standard to themselves.
But they don't. Here's a message from state Sen. Joel Heitkamp, D-Hankinson, to Hoeven: “You've had eight years to accomplish what you've (wanted), now get out of the way and let someone else,” Heitkamp told a reporter.
Heitkamp first was elected to the North Dakota Senate in 1994, 13 years ago.
State Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, is considering a run for governor. Mathern's a fine man and will make a great candidate, but only if he does better than this:
“Mathern says eight years is enough for someone to be governor,” The Associated Press reported.
Mathern has served as a senator since 1986.
Property taxes, yes. The North Dakota economy, yes. Hoeven's intentions regarding the U.S. Senate, yes. All of those issues are fair game in the gubernatorial race.
But not term limits, at least when the would-be “term-limiter” happily blew past eight years in office half a decade or more ago. For such a critic, it ought to be hard even to say “eight is enough” and keep a straight face.

Current SCHIP bill not the answer

Should a family that qualifies to buy a $250,000 home be eligible for free health insurance? That is essentially the question currently being debated in Washington, DC.
The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), is receiving a great deal of discussion now as Congress considers its reauthorization. This program, called Healthy Steps in North Dakota, has been a very important tool for providing health care for children through age 18 in low-income families, but the bill recently passed by the US House and Senate is a radical expansion of the existing program.

The new bill would permit coverage up to 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL). 300% would be $61,974/year for a family of four. An earlier version, supported by many in Congress, would have covered families to 400% of the poverty level which is calculated to be $82,629/year for a family of four. That is way above the average income for North Dakotans.

Someone with an annual income of the 300% of poverty level, using standard formulas, can qualify for a monthly payment of $1446, permitting them to purchase a home valued at approximately $175,000. A family earning 400% of poverty level can qualify for $1928/month payment which would permit them to purchase a home valued at approximately $245,000. Should families who can buy homes for $175,000-$250,000 be permitted to receive government-paid health insurance? That is a welfare program for middle income families. The higher the income limits, the more state tax dollars will be needed to provide coverage, since there is a 25% state match required to draw down federal funds.

H.R. 976 as recently passed by Congress would expand the SCHIP program by $35 billion over the next five years, to a $60 billion program. President Bush has supported a $5 billion expansion over 5 years which would be a 20% increase in funding above the baseline. The bill dramatically expands federal spending far beyond what is necessary to reauthorize SCHIP responsibly.

The bill would permit states to expand coverage to “children” up to age 25, as well as to family members and caregivers for children in families whose incomes qualify for coverage. This could cause people who currently have health insurance to drop it and opt into the government program. This would be a dramatic encroachment of government-run health care and is an obvious attempt to move closer to universal health care coverage, way beyond the original intent to provide health care for children.

North Dakota currently permits families up to 140% of the federal poverty to qualify for SCHIP coverage, and that will move to 150% as soon as Congress reauthorizes the program. North Dakota uses net income , rather than gross income, to qualify. In North Dakota, unlike many other states, expenses such as taxes, child care costs, and child support paid are subtracted from gross income before determining the qualifying income level, resulting in more families qualifying, especially those with high child care costs. A North Dakota family of four can have a net income of $28,920/year at 140% and receive SCHIP benefits and will be able to make $30,986/year at 150%.

The Health Steps program in North Dakota includes vision, dental, and prenatal coverage for children up through age 18, which is a significant advantage over many states’ programs. The idea has been to provide as much coverage as possible for those who need it the most

How will this federal increase in coverage be paid? A proposed cigarette tax increase of 83 cents per pack will be imposed and can escalate to $1/pack. Whether or not this is the right way to pay for the additional costs of the expanded program is another discussion. Many existing programs are having the legs cut out from under them in order to fund expansions of pet programs. One serious funding change takes money away from Medicare Advantage which benefits low income seniors by reducing out-of-pocket costs. The payment changes are so draconian that the likely effect will be to eliminate options for many beneficiaries, particularly in rural counties or small, urban communities where earlier sessions of Congress expressly intended to provide choices for beneficiaries. It is wrong to balance health care for middle income families on the backs of low-income seniors.

Enhancing SCHIP so that it can better serve North Dakota children is an appropriate goal, but the current bill has too many flaws. After a Presidential veto, all parties can get down to work to reauthorize a very important program at levels that we all can support.
- by Judy Lee, Chair - Senate Human Services Committee

State Chairman Gary Emineth weighs in

I love a great view. It is hard to beat a summer evening standing on a deck overlooking the Missouri river. A breathtaking sight, but completely hidden to anyone in the valley. It’s all in where you’re standing. Since becoming chairman of the ND GOP three months ago, I have stood back and watched, listened, and thought. Now it’s time to say something.

Once there was a boy who wanted to be a soldier in the army when he grew up. I thought it was cute. He graduated from High School and joined the army. I thought it was a good choice. On October 28, I will watch my nephew, John, board a plane for Iraq. It’s hard to know what to think.

In the words of Thomas Paine, “…these are the times that try men’s souls...” And they are. In times of war and crisis, the character of patriotism is tested. But patriotism is also an everyday virtue which requires”… education supplemented by self-interest.” I am writing to do some education.

First I’d invite those down in the valley whining about the “bleak landscape” to come up and see for themselves. I can’t buy this patently liberal viewpoint packaged as an “independent perspective.” We North Dakotans can send out a strong message to independent voters. Consider the facts. The view from here isn’t so bleak.

ND Republicans hold a majority in the legislature thanks to a strong grass roots organization; any lost ground is due to over $500,000 of out-of-state contributions raised by the democrats state party.
Because of the policies of a Republican administration, incomes are growing faster than the National Average. 25,000 new jobs have been created.
As a result of a thriving economy, the GOP passed record support for education at all levels.
The largest tax relief in ND history was passed –120 million dollars.
An enormously popular and widely effective Governor will lead the GOP ticket.

If the Republican Presidential candidates aren’t exciting enough, tune in to the Democratic debates for entertainment. Through the digressions and diatribes I have asked myself, “Where are these folks from? Where is Simon when we need him?” No American idols here.

In contrast, I’ve had some interactions with my dad and my father-in-law. Both agree that there are problems but refuse to take life in America for granted. They haven’t forgotten when an oppressive regime was a real threat.

It takes sacrifice and resolve to preserve freedom. May I remind you that there have been no terrorist attacks on American soil since 9/ll. Many attempts have been thwarted thanks to the vigilance and courage of those sworn by sacred oath to defend this country.

Patriotism is not old-fashioned; it’s a virtue as worthy as justice . Not always popular, it is always necessary.
The tears will come as I say good-bye to John. But these words will be there, too.

“I’m proud to be an American..where at least I know I’m free…”

As we prepare to elect the next President consider this-- The world needs more than a daydream believer or a homecoming queen.

In case you missed it, Forum Editorial: Democrats' sour notes predictable

North Dakotans who grasp the astonishing progress the state has made in the past seven years will welcome Gov. John Hoeven’s decision to seek a third four-year term. Democrats, whose party loyalty tends to warp their judgment (just like Republicans with similar blind allegiance to party), will react as expected: petty and rigidly partisan.
Hoeven and Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple will be on the ballot in 2008. If the successful Republican team wins, Hoeven will make history as the only governor to be elected to three four-year terms. Democratic Gov. William Guy served 12 years, but in two two-year terms and two four-year terms.
The Democrats’ reaction to the governor’s announcement hit all the right notes, if one is a Democrat first and a North Dakotan second. Hired party mouthpieces and legislative leaders tried to blame the governor for rising property taxes (a local matter), a perceived population drain (slowed and just about halted during Hoeven’s tenure) and a lack of leadership.
That last one is really nonsense. Hoeven, after all, is the governor who challenged the mossback leadership of his own party in order to secure mandated, sustainable pay raises for public school teachers. He relentlessly pursued his “centers of excellence” program, which has become the seedbed for growing focused world-class university research.
In concert with enlightened legislators on both sides of the political aisle the governor championed a comprehensive energy development incentive package, which is a model for the nation. Shortly after his first election victory he worked hand in glove with North Dakota’s Democratic congressional delegation – and against the Republican White House – on a new farm bill, which turned out to be one of the best farm bills ever cobbled together.
Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, is flirting with a challenge to Hoeven, having formed an exploratory committee. In reacting to the governor’s announcement, the veteran senator said he was disappointed Hoeven “is not doing more with his leadership potential and position.” Of course, there’s always more to do. But is it so difficult for Democrats to recognize and acknowledge that the governor has done quite a lot with his leadership position?
North Dakotans consistently give the governor approval ratings near
80 percent. They have a better understanding of Hoeven’s dedication than do a handful of Democratic partisans. Regarding the governor’s performance, Democrats couldn’t be more out of step with the people of North Dakota.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper’s Editorial Board.

In case you missed it, here's what the Minot Daily News thinks:

Hoeven will make history
OK, so it’s not officially official yet, but Gov. John Hoeven will seek a third term in office.Hoeven, 50, announced Tuesday that senior aide Don Larson has taken a leave of absence to run Hoeven’s re-election campaign. Hoeven will make an official re-election announcement later this year. Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple will remain on the ticket with Hoeven.It’s good news for North Dakota.Hoeven has been a strong leader for the state during his two terms, and there’s no reason to believe that won’t continue if he’s elected again.So far, Hoeven has no official challengers. Fargo state Sen. Tim Mathern is the only Democrat to declare that he is considering a bid for the party’s endorsement for governor. Mathern could have some support in his home territory if he decides to run, and he might do better than Hoeven’s 2004 opponent, Joe Satrom, who received less than 30 percent of the vote. But it’s hard to see Mathern defeating the popular Hoeven.No North Dakota governor has been elected to three four-year terms. Barring any unforeseen circumstances between now and November 2008, we fully expect Hoeven to be the first.

Don Larson Joins Hoeven Committee

9/25/07

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today announced that Don Larson has left his position in the Governor’s Office to manage the governor’s re-election campaign. Larson, a Minot native, has served on Hoeven’s senior staff for the past three years working in communications, legislative relations and policy development. Hoeven will make his official re-election announcement later this fall.

Legislator engages in radical partisanship

Kyle Handegard Fargo Commentary - 09/23/2007
It’s unfortunate that Rep. Kari Conrad, D-Minot, N.D., (letter of Sept. 11) has chosen to echo the same radical partisanship to North Dakotans that has paralyzed Washington, D.C., in recent years.
Gov. John Hoeven is doing things right, starting with jobs and the economy. Under his leadership, North Dakota has entirely changed its approach to economic development. Our state has created 25,000 new jobs and seen economic growth across the board, including in manufacturing, energy, valueadded agriculture and technology-based businesses. These jobs are raising wages and income, while creating a climate of opportunity in North Dakota not seen in decades.
And it doesn’t stop there. In the last legislative session alone, the governor’s policies made possible more than $100 million in property tax relief, $100 million in K-12 education funding and $90 million in support for higher education, scholarships and other programs to help hold the line on tuition for our younger people.
In the field of renewable energy, ethanol production will soon increase more than tenfold, to about a half-billion gallons, with more on the way. Wind energy production will go from near zero to more than 600 megawatts. At the same time -- and without a tax increase -- North Dakota has been able to devote an unprecedented $100 million more in the current budget to help seniors, children and people with disabilities.
Rep. Conrad needs to look around our state and cut the political sniping.

Rep. Conrad begins attack on Governor

Stan Stein Wahpeton, N.D.
Opinion - 09/19/2007
The Democratic attack machine has begun. Democrats realize that they cannot defeat Gov. John Hoeven, if he decides to run for another term, on the issues and on a vision for North Dakota. So they begin their vaunted personal attack campaign 14 months prior to the 2008 election.

Leading off what will be an endless parade of personal attacks on our governor is Rep. Kari Conrad, D-Minot, with her letter to The Forum. It really doesn’t matter who signs the letters and op-ed pieces because the message will be that Hoeven is bad for North Dakota. What they really mean, of course, is that Hoeven is bad for Democratic Party prospects to ever win the governor’s office.

Conrad’s lengthy dissertation (Sept. 11 letter) about our governor is rather humorous. She cites Peter Drucker, an expert on business and management. The humor is that a Democrat actually quoted someone connected to capitalism and free enterprise. Usually, Democrats spend their time attacking entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and business people, in general. And, their interest in business rests, solely, in raising taxes.

Conrad’s entire missive really does highlight the difference between the Democrats and Hoeven. Her view of the future is a state on welfare. The governor’s vision for North Dakota is a thriving state playing an increasingly important role in the world economy. His initiatives in education, agribusiness, energy, transportation, and the world of high tech, have put North Dakota in a great position to prosper in the future.

Under the Democrats, the only growth industry would be welfare. Hoeven is committed to a future of personal prosperity based on a growing, diversified, and competitive economy. There is a huge difference. It is the difference between dependence and independence. Given the choice, I have no doubt that North Dakota will choose independence and Hoeven, if he seeks another term.

In Case You Missed It ….. Grand Forks Herald Editorial: OUR OPINION : A budget ‘big lie' or core truth?

“Today, in an editorial, the Grand Forks Herald correctly pointed out that Senator Conrad's budget does not pass the smell test. His continued claims that his budget does not raise taxes are just not true. Liberal media outlets like the New York Times, The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times report that Conrad’s budget lets some of President Bush’s tax cuts expire. That is a tax increase and no amount of spin, double talk or flip-flopping can disguise the fact that the Democrats voted to raise taxes. The Grand Forks Herald is correct. The voters of North Dakota deserve an explanation from Senator Conrad.”

Ken Karls, State Chairman North Dakota Republican Party.


Grand Forks Herald

OUR OPINION : A budget ‘big lie' or core truth?
- 06/06/2007

Our view:: The evidence leans against Sen. Kent Conrad's contention that the Congress' new budget doesn't raise taxes.

The New York Times says Congress' new budget lets some of President Bush's tax cuts expire. The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times say the same thing. But Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., insists that's not the case.

Who's right?

Conrad is the go-to guy on budget matters in the Senate. On this issue, however, the newspapers seem “more right” than he is. Rich Karlgaard, the North Dakotan who is publisher of Forbes magazine, actually wrote in his Web log that “Conrad is lying about the biggest-ever tax increase that is sure to come if the Dems sweep in 2008.” That's too strong, but Conrad at the very least either should explain his position more clearly or acknowledge that the other observers have a point.

Here's the issue. “Congress gave final approval on Thursday to a $2.9 trillion budget resolution for the 2008 fiscal year . . .,” The New York Times reported May 18.

“The plan assumes the expiration, at the end of 2010, of many of President Bush's tax cuts that have benefited mostly upper-bracket taxpayers, but it would extend popular middle-class tax breaks by two years.”

Conrad responded in a letter, saying that letting the tax breaks expire “is not our assumption. . . . (The budget) allows for new tax relief and the extension of other expiring provisions, as long as they are paid for.” But conservative columnist Bob Novak calls this “the big lie” because the bottom line is that the budget does let some tax cuts expire, and “that means higher taxes if Congress does nothing.”

Note Conrad's phrasing: The budget allows for the tax cuts' extension “as long as they are paid for.” If they're not - if Congress fails to take additional action to drum up the needed revenue - then, presumably, the tax cuts will expire, just as Novak, the Times and the others say.

Conrad's “as long as” qualifier in front of his “paid for” phrase suggests the tax cut are not currently paid for in the new budget.

Is there a flaw in this argument? If there is, then Conrad has every right to claim the new budget doesn't hike taxes. But if there is no flaw, then the critics are right to say the budget likely will let some taxes rise. The senator should clarify matters, and not just with the Herald.

- Tom Dennis for the Herald

If you would like to view the original story please click here
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Prominent Democrat Praises Jaeger Run Elections

N.D. 2006 elections glitch-free
By Lloyd Omdahl
The Forum - 05/29/2007

The 2006 mid-term election turned up scores of problems in the new voting systems implemented by states and counties under the federal “Help America Vote Act” passed in 2002 following the disastrous presidential election in Florida. Seventeen states reported major glitches in their new voting systems.

Florida is now in the process of dumping its touch-screen system for paper ballots. The Denver election commissioner resigned following a complete breakdown in many precincts. In Florida, Texas and Ohio, the voting machines were casting votes for the wrong candidates. In Texas, the centralized voter records system has so many flaws that registration officials in 200 counties want to get out of the process.

These frequent reports of election foul-ups have made citizens skeptical of the entire process, even in states that have experienced no difficulties. An undercurrent of alarm is spreading as another crucial presidential election approaches.

In response to the widespread failures, Congress is proposing new legislation requiring that electronic voting systems include printers able to create a paper trail for validating election results. Validation has become a major concern since some machines have malfunctioned and vendors have refused to provide officials with adequate reliability checks.

While the rest of the country is mired in an electoral morass, North Dakota has been scandal free in its implementation of the federal legislation, due largely to the insightful leadership of Secretary of State Al Jaeger.

If you would like to read the original story please visit: http://www.in-forum.com/Opinion/articles/167002




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John Edwards War on Poverty - Edwards charges $55,000 to speak to UC Davis students about poverty

SF Gate.com Poltics Blog

Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, who as a Democratic presidential candidate recently proposed an educational policy that urged "every financial barrier" be removed for American kids who want to go to college, has been going to college himself -- as a high paid speaker, his financial records show.

The candidate charged a whopping $55,000 to speak at to a crowd of 1,787 the taxpayer-funded University of California at Davis on Jan. 9, 2006 last year, Joe Martin, the public relations officer for the campus' Mondavi Center confirmed Monday.

That amount -- which comes to about $31 a person in the audience -- included Edwards' travel and airfare, and was the highest speaking fee in the nine appearances he made before colleges and universities last year, according to his financial records.

Clicker Here to read the rest of the story ...

John Edwards Puts Foot in Mouth Again

Former Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) On Service To Our Country

John Edwards: "One Of The Things We Ought To Be Thinking About Is Some Level Of Mandatory Service To Our Country, So That Everybody In America, Not Just The Poor Kids Who Get Sent To War, Are Serving This Country." (Philip Elliott, "Edwards Touts Plan To End War In Iraq," The Associated Press, 5/21/07)

Conrad Lies about his Tax Increase!

I thought you might find this article about Senator Conrad lying about his budget calling for the largest tax increase in US History.

Senator sells tax hike as no tax hike at all

May 21, 2007
BY ROBERT NOVAK Sun-Times Columnist

In routine party-line votes last week, both houses of Congress completed action on a Democratic-crafted budget containing the biggest tax increase in U.S. history. That this was overlooked attests to the legerdemain of Sen. Kent Conrad of Bismarck, N.D., chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.

Conrad, a 59-year-old third- termer, is a monotone orator whose use of statistical charts betrays his dozen years as a North Dakota state tax collector. He seems so straight an arrow that it is hard to accuse him of the big lie. But that is precisely what he has done.

Conrad has repeatedly insisted his budget contains no higher taxes. But how, then, can it increase discretionary spending $200 billion over five years, while promising immense budget surpluses in the future? By raising taxes not only on upper-bracket-income earners, but also on dividends and capital gains, affecting many more Americans.

Conrad has been in denial. After I described his budget as an old-fashioned Democratic tax-and-spend formula March 28, Conrad wrote a letter to newspapers accusing me of "blind ideology and meaningless partisan rhetoric." His budget, he said, "neither assumes nor requires a tax increase." That is exactly what he has been saying for months on the Senate floor.

A typical exchange occurred May 9 when Republican Sen. John Thune displayed spend-and-tax charts. "Not true," responded Conrad. "There is no tax increase in the proposal before us." In the final debate last Thursday, Conrad again contradicted the assertions of higher taxes by his Republican counterpart on the Budget Committee, Sen. Judd Gregg.

Different in kind from normal congressional debate, this is based not on the merits of higher taxes but disagreement on the existence of any increase. The mystery is easily solved. Under the Democratic budget, the Bush administration's tax cuts are permitted to expire at the end of 2010. That means higher taxes if Congress does nothing.


Click Here to read more

From the Grand Forks Herald - No deadline for this Devil Dog

I wanted to share this letter about the Iraq War from a member of our Armed Forces on the ground in Iraq. I hope you will take the time to read it.

IN THE MAIL No deadline for this Devil Dog

Grand Forks Herald

Published Friday, May 11, 2007

GRAND FORKS - Our youngest son, Joshua Johnson, serves on active duty in the Marine Corps. He currently is on his second deployment to Iraq. He recently e-mailed his sister the letter below on his views on an early troop pullout. With Joshua's permission, we forwarded his letter to the Herald

His brother, Justin Johnson, is a first lieutenant in the Army and also is serving in Iraq. The brothers share the same view on an early troop pullout.

Bud Johnson Claudia Johnson


FALLUJAH, Iraq - Have you heard about all the garbage on the news about the war deadline? As a Marine serving in Iraq, I don't think there is such a thing as a deadline date in this war, and our country's next president has to understand that.

We have done a lot, but in no way is Iraq a free and stable country on its own yet. Out in town, I have seen the Iraqi police and the Iraqi Army patrolling the streets, but they need our guidance and support until they themselves have the confidence to say, “Thanks for the help guys, but we have it under control now.”

To come home now would send the world a message of weakness. To take the blood, sweat and tears that our own military and government contractors have put into this country, and then all of a sudden leave while the mission isn't yet fully accomplished, would be the same as putting our tails between our legs and running scared.

As for me, I would be embarrassed to be in the military of a country that just gave up, because some “suit and tie” thinks that the job may be too hard.

The men and women of the American military are determined to accomplish the mission at hand and in no way will even consider giving up.

I think it is a bunch of garbage that some in America want a deadline date. We should stay as long as we have to, and we are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission.

Joshua Johnson

Johnson is a sergeant in the U.S. Marines.

Pomeroy's Pals At it Again

Fargo Forum Editorial: House war funding bill cynical ploy

Published Friday, May 11, 2007

The scheme by majority Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives to fund the Department of Defense on a month-to-month schedule should be rejected by anyone with good sense. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said this week the House plan would hobble the military’s procurement and deployment efforts. He urged the House to rethink what certainly is another attempt by anti-war Democrats to get the United States out of Iraq no matter the consequences.

Put aside for the moment whether the Iraq war is right, wrong, necessary or foolhardy. Funding the military in a time of war is required if only to ensure that the troops continue to receive the materials they need to fight and to protect themselves. The House would nickel-and-dime the defense appropriations in a way that would affect military readiness. So when opponents of the war say they support the troops but oppose the president’s war policy, the effort to disrupt funding for the military suggests they are being disingenuous.

Click Here to read more

Poolman: Assistance Available for Medicare Beneficiaries in the 'Donut Hole"

Bismarck, ND – Insurance Commissioner Jim Poolman today advised seniors who may be in the donut hole with their Part D plans, that many of them may be eligible for free or reduced-cost prescriptions available through other sources.

Poolman said, "At this time of year, many beneficiaries with Part D plans are in or are going into the ‘donut hole’. The ‘donut hole’ is the portion each beneficiary has to spend out of their pocket before they will be eligible for coverage again from their Part D plan."

Some Prescription Assistance Programs (PAPs), which are sponsored by many pharmaceutical companies, offer assistance with free medications for those that are in the donut hole.

"Any Medicare beneficiary who has a Part D plan who is in the donut hole should call the Senior Health Insurance Counseling (SHIC) Program at 1.888.575.6611 to find out if free prescriptions are available to them," Poolman said.

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SCHMIDT ANNOUNCES RECORD TREASURY BALANCE

Bismarck, ND – State Treasurer Kelly Schmidt announced today that the State Treasury currently has invested a record balance of $745 million.

Schmidt said, "The current balance is a reflection of the strong economic growth that North Dakota is currently experiencing. My role as treasurer is to take advantage of our state's strong fiscal position and leverage the dollars to their greatest capacity through effective cash management."

Certificate of Deposits purchased recently totaled $142 million dollars and were invested with terms of 100 to 130 days. These investments will generate more than $1.6 million in interest income for the State of North Dakota’s Treasury.

Interest to the general fund is in excess of $27 million this biennium which represents a 550% increase in interest income over last biennium.

"This is good news for the citizens of North Dakota," Schmidt said. "By effectively investing our general fund dollars, we strengthen our overall financial position and ensure that the state has the resources to provide needed services to its citizens," Schmidt added.


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HOEVEN SIGNS $118.6 MILLION, BROAD-BASED TAX RELIEF PACKAGE

FARGO, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today was joined by legislators and local officials to sign Senate Bill 2032, a $118.6 million, broad-based tax relief package for the people of North Dakota.

“With our aggressive economic development efforts, we are growing and diversifying North Dakota’s economy,” Hoeven said. “A growing economy not only makes more opportunities available for our citizens, but also enables tax relief.”

“Back in September, we proposed a property tax relief plan to ease the burden of rising taxes for homeowners, farmers, ranchers and businesses,” Hoeven said. “Working with legislators, we passed a bill that provides a 10 percent income tax reduction against property taxes across the board. This measure, as well as additional financial assistance to counties for schools, State Aid Distribution, oil and gas revenues, social services and other expenses adds up to real tax relief for our citizens.”

The measure includes:

A 10 percent property tax credit against income taxes for homeowners, farmers, ranchers and commercial businesses.

Expanded Homestead Tax Credit relief for seniors and people with disabilities who own their own homes or rent.

Elimination of the marriage tax penalty for middle-income couples.

“We in the Tax Department are proud to have played a key role in initiating meaningful tax relief for the people of North Dakota, and now we are working to implement it,” said Tax Commissioner Cory Fong. “We will be laying the necessary groundwork over the months to come in order to inform the public of the benefits this plan provides to taxpayers.”

Property Tax Relief: Under the plan, married couples filing jointly, farmers, ranchers and businesses will be able to claim up to $1,000 of their property tax liabilities, and individual income tax payers will be able to deduct up to $500 on their state tax returns. Individuals who don’t have a state income tax liability can file for a voucher that they can apply to their local property taxes, or they can carry the credit forward for up to five years.

Tax Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities: The bill nearly doubles funding for the Homestead Tax Credit program to $8.1 million. The program provides property tax relief for low income seniors and people with disabilities who own homes or rent. Expanded eligibility means a total of 11,350 homeowners will now qualify for the credit, 8,000 more than in 2005; more than 1,700 additional renters will also qualify, for a total of more than 3,000.

Elimination of the Marriage Penalty: SB 2032 creates a targeted tax credit of up to $300 to eliminate or reduce the marriage penalty for married taxpayers filing jointly.


In addition to the $118.6 million of tax relief included in SB 2032, other legislation helps to reduce the tax burden for local communities, including a landmark $91 million school funding bill. In addition, the state is also providing a combined $24 million to counties by assuming the counties’ costs for child support enforcement; disbursing more State Aid Distribution dollars; increasing oil and gas production tax revenues; and providing other state aid.

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HOEVEN SIGNS $633 MILLION HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING BILL

University System to Receive a 23 Percent Increase

MINOT, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today was joined by legislators, and campus and university system officials at Minot State University to sign House Bill 1003, the Higher Education budget bill, which increases funding for the system by an unprecedented $89 million. The bill raises the higher education budget to $633 million, with a 23 percent increase in state funding, and limits tuition increases for the next two years.

“Due to our aggressive economic development efforts and a growing economy, we are able to provide this funding, and at the same time, provide almost $120 million for broad-based tax relief and set aside more than $350 million in reserves for the future,” Hoeven said.

“For the first time ever, we are funding the needs-based budget of Higher Education at the level requested by the board,” Hoeven said. “This legislation, which includes a range of new grant, assistance and savings programs for students and families, will help hold the line on tuition increases and keep the cost of a college education in North Dakota affordable.”

The Higher Education budget increase includes:

A $71 million increase in operations, ongoing maintenance and technology costs to help hold the line on tuition.

An $18.6 million increase for capital projects – without bonding – to maintain quality campuses for a quality higher education system.

Included in the funding is:

Workforce Development: A more than $8 million increase in workforce development funding, including Career and Technical Education, Internships, Workforce 2020, and cutting-edge job placement technology for Job Service North Dakota.

Deferred Maintenance: $10.9 million for repairs and renovations on campuses, in addition to capital projects.

Helping Students and Families Afford College: A $4.1 increase for Student Financial Assistance Grants, scholarships and loans.

College Savings: In addition, BND has added new features to its CollegeSave Program that provides an income tax deduction and other incentives for higher education savings accounts to help families plan for the future, including a $250 state match for low-income individuals opening an account.

Technology: A $10.9 million increase for ConnectND, the Northern Tier Network, and other statewide general technology needs to keep our campuses competitive and cutting edge.

A $700,000 appropriation to tribal colleges to defray the cost of educating non-tribal students.
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Pomeroy Plays Politics with North Dakota’s Ag Producers

Congressman More Interested in Headlines than Helping Farmers!

BISMARCK, ND – Republican Party State Chairman Ken Karls released the following statement concerning today’s Fargo Forum Editorial as it relates to the farm disaster provision in the Iraq War Supplemental Appropriation Bill. (Forum Editorial: Iraq veto means ag money fails; The Forum Published Friday, April 27, 2007)

“Congressman Pomeroy has been playing politics at the expense of North Dakota’s Agriculture producers. North Dakota’s Congressman should have known from the beginning that including the ag disaster provision in the Iraq pullout legislation would be a recipe for disaster. Congressman Pomeroy continues to claim he possesses all this clout and power in Washington DC. If that is true, why can’t he convince his fellow members of Congress to pass a simple farm disaster bill on its own,” stated Karls

“I could not describe the purely political motives behind Congressman Pomeroy actions any better than the Fargo Forum Editorial Board when they said ‘But attaching a farm disaster provision to legislation they know has no chance of becoming law makes no sense. It seems to be little more than a political move designed to remind their constituents they are advocating for agriculture.’ It is time for Congressman Pomeroy to do more in Congress than compete for headlines – it is time for him to deliver for North Dakota!”

If you would like to read the editorial in the Fargo Forum, please click here.

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HOEVEN: LEGISLATURE PASSES A STRONG AGENDA FOR AG-BASED RENEWABLE FUELS, NDSU EXTENSION

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today was joined by legislators, elected officials, campus officials and industry leaders to sign legislation enacting a comprehensive $42 million renewable energy plan, $7 million in new funding for an agricultural research greenhouse on the campus of North Dakota State University, and a 34 percent budget increase for NDSU Agriculture. The seven bills the Governor signed today will strengthen North Dakota’s agriculture economy, creating jobs and new opportunities for our citizens. The bills signed today include:

HB 1462 – Adopts the 25X25 Initiative and establishes an energy independence council

SB 2180 – Creates a $5 million Biofuels PACE Fund, an interest buy-down program for renewable fuels, dairies, ranching operations and E-85 pumps

SB 2288 – Creates the $3 million Renewable Energy Grant Fund

HB 1515 – Creates the Biomass Demonstration Project

HB 1233 – Creates $3 million of tradable income tax credits for installation of geothermal, solar and wind energy devices

HB1317 – Extends a property tax deduction for wind generation units from 3 to 1 ½ percent

HB 1020 – This bill increases the General Fund appropriation for NDSU Agriculture by 34 percent, for the main and branch units of the Experiment Station, the Extension Service, the Northern Crops Institute and the Upper Grain Plains Transportation Institute. That includes $7 million in new funding – $14 million in total state funding – toward a research greenhouse complex, and $700,000 in biomass research and education. The total agriculture budget for NDSU is $186 million.

“Agriculture is our number one industry, and renewable energy and value-added food and fiber offer unprecedented opportunities for our producers,” Hoeven said. “The incentives we worked to pass this session will help us develop new and better products for larger and broader markets than ever before.”

AG-BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT – In addition to the bills signed today, other legislation includes:

A $7.3 million Governor’s Ethanol Production Incentive Fund; counter-cyclical support for ethanol plants.

A $2.2 million sales and use tax exemption for materials used to construct co-generation power plants in conjunction with value added agriculture projects.
An incentive to purchase environmentally preferable paper and printing products by the state.

Expansion of Value Added Agriculture Investment Tax Credits with the potential to generate investments in 10 projects per year, including renewable energy projects. Five projects with $10 million in investments could result in $100 million in projects over the biennium.

Four new meat inspectors with a total increase of $534,000 for the state inspection program.

Increased funding for the Pride of Dakota Program by $100,000.

A state objective of 10% of electricity produced from renewable sources by 2015.

A requirement for ethanol blend pumps to have an ethanol promotion label.

ANIMAL AGRICULTURE AND STREAMLINED REGULATIONS – Renewable fuels producers can partner with livestock operators:

A $1 million interest buy-down loan program on new or expanding livestock or dairy operations.

Up to $250,000 of interest buy-down on loans for each new or expanding livestock or milking operations that use byproducts of biofuels (Part of Biofuels PACE.)

A 30 percent Investment Tax Credit for livestock feeding and milking operations that use biofuels facility byproducts.

Loans to dairy farms under the Bank of North Dakota Livestock Guarantee Program.
Appropriated $75,000 to the Dairy Coalition for efforts to recruit dairy operations to the state.

Clarification of the authority of counties and townships to zone for location and scope of livestock entities, while leaving the environmental regulations centrally monitored by the state Health Department.

Creation of a central repository of all zoning regulations dealing with animal agriculture within the state Health Department to ease evaluation of livestock “friendly” areas.

Expansion of the drought disaster livestock water assistance program to provide assistance to cattle owners impacted by water shortages due to drought.

An incentive to retain and recruit veterinarians by increasing tuition help and loan repayment assistance for those who will practice in the State.

Provision for an annual permit to allow for over weight loads on the interstate highways.

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