Homeowners Should Consider Flood Insurance
Bismarck, ND – With spring thaws only weeks away, Insurance Commissioner Jim Poolman is encouraging homeowners, renters and businesses to find out whether they should purchase a flood insurance policy to protect themselves against losses from flooding.
“Because there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy becomes effective, it is imperative that consumers start checking into the purchase of a policy well before the major spring thaw,” Poolman said.
Many people falsely assume that their existing homeowner’s policy covers flooding. However, flood coverage is purchased separately. Flood insurance is offered and underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program. In addition, coverage may also be purchased from an insurance agent.
"Flooding can occur anytime, almost anywhere and often with little warning," Poolman said. "In 1997, even with prior warning of flooding, less than 10% of Grand Fork's population had coverage. Flood insurance is affordable and easy to purchase and consumers need to take the time now to consider whether or not they need to protect themselves," he added.
Almost all areas are susceptible to flooding, although to varying degrees. In fact, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, between 20% and 25% of all flood claims occur in the low-to-moderate risk areas. In addition, many homeowners are not aware that they are four times more likely to lose their home to a flood than a fire.
Flooding can be caused by heavy rains, melting snow, by inadequate drainage systems, and failed protective devices such as levees and dams. In addition, every year since 1993, a disaster has been declared in North Dakota because of flooding. Poolman said, "It is important that consumers across the state consider this when deciding to purchase flood insurance."
For information regarding flood insurance coverage, please contact the National Flood Insurance Program at 1.800.638.6620 or your insurance agent. Consumers may also contact the North Dakota Insurance Department at 1.800.247.0560 or visit the "Consumer" section of our website at
www.nd.gov/ndins/consumer/.
# # #
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
HOEVEN MEETS WITH FEDERAL OFFICIALS ON AG DISASTER AID,FARM BILL, ENERGY, MILITARY DEPLOYMENTS
BISMARCK, N.D. –Gov. John Hoeven this week met in Washington, D.C. with fellow governors, senior White House officials, and cabinet and military heads about agriculture, energy and military deployment policy.
AGRICULTURE – DISASTER AID AND NEW FARM BILL
Hoeven, along with S.D. Gov. Mike Rounds, met Tuesday with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, Agriculture Advisor to the President Hunter Moorhead, and senior USDA staff to encourage support for agriculture disaster aid in the short term and a strong Farm Bill for the future.
Hoeven was there to push for support for a $3 billion agriculture disaster package that Congress may attach to the new Iraq supplemental budget bill. The plan has an option available for producers to apply aid to losses incurred during the 2005, 2006 or 2007 growing season.
Hoeven has been working with fellow governors to build support for disaster aid at the annual Winter Meeting of the National Governors Association. Last fall, he got more than 20 governors to sign on to a letter to congressional leaders in support of comprehensive drought assistance for farmers and ranchers. While in Washington, he has continued to press for their support.
“We have been working to get broad bipartisan support from a large part of the nation for the effort to help our farmers and ranchers,” Hoeven said. “We’ll continue to press for it and I believe it has a good chance of passing.”
Hoeven also discussed with Johanns the need to have either a disaster title or improvements to crop insurance in the upcoming Farm Bill.
The Administration is proposing a “gap” crop insurance program in the Farm Bill to manage risk not covered by the existing program. For most producers, it is affordable only to insure up to 70 percent of losses under the current crop insurance program. The new program would cover the remaining 30 percent with more reasonable premium costs, officials say.
“The Administration and Congress are moving in the right direction on crop insurance. They’re addressing this important issue, which we’ve worked very hard to get them to focus on,” Hoeven said. “We’ll have to study the details, and review them with our farmers and ranchers, as well as the farm associations, but this appears to take us a step closer.”
Hoeven said: “We need to get our farmers and ranchers in a secure position, and then we need to replace this cycle of ad hoc disaster bills with sensible, long-term legislation to provide our producers with the predictability they need to plan for the future,” Hoeven said. “That means a solid farm bill, with a counter-cyclical safety net, planting flexibility, support for renewable energy, a strong conservation title, and either adequate crop insurance or a disaster title.”
HOEVEN MEETS WITH ENERGY HEADS
Hoeven also met with U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman to discuss opportunities for renewable energy development in the state, such as wind, ethanol, and biodiesel, as well as development of traditional energy sources using new technologies in environmentally friendly ways.
Hoeven detailed North Dakota’s progress in wind and biofuels development, highlighting the state’s comprehensive renewable energy plan and the need for strong federal incentives. He cited innovative North Dakota renewable projects, such as the Spiritwood Industrial Park, which is collocating a 100 million gallon ethanol plant, the largest malting barley facility in North America and a beneficiated coal electrical generating plant. The Governor asked Bodman for assistance from Department of Energy (DoE) for renewable energy research funding for cellusosic ethanol, switchgrass, and other new technologies, as well as tax incentives and loan guarantees for new projects.
“North Dakota’s renewable industry is finding new and more efficient ways to meet the nation’s demand for clean, alternative energy while creating good paying jobs for North Dakotans.” Hoeven said. “We’ll be working in the coming months with the Secretary to advance these renewable projects with federal resources.”
Hoeven and Bodman also discussed accessing research funding for carbon sequestration technology that will reduce greenhouse emissions and enhance oil and gas recovery. The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, manages the Plains CO2 Reduction Partnership, which is researching the feasibility of capturing and storing carbon dioxide. The partnership is composed of nearly 50 private and public sector groups from nine states and three Canadian provinces.
“This is an area where North Dakota is leading the way to reduce carbon emissions,” Hoeven said. “The research and development being conducted right here in our state will help protect our environment and at the same time build our economy by producing more energy, while reducing CO2 into the atmosphere.”
In addition, Hoeven said DoE is writing regulations for $4 billion in loan guarantees for clean energy projects that should help the state’s Lignite Energy 21 projects advance.
“Federal loan guarantees can help speed development of our Lignite Vision 21 projects and clean energy development using innovative new technologies in environmentally friendly ways,” Hoeven said. “We’re working with the Secretary to channel some of these new resources to North Dakota, where they will generate new businesses, good jobs and higher wages for our people.”
Hoeven also met with Ken Krieg, Under Secretary of Defense, and Michael Aimone, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for the Air Force. Aimone is the Air Force lead for a study that is looking at North Dakota as a test sites to determine the feasibility and costs associated with production of jet fuel from coal.
“We’re pressing for research opportunities and purchase agreements that will leverage our resources in ways that help our state, and our nation,” Hoeven said. “We are well positioned to make a significant contribution in this area.”
HOEVEN MEETS WITH CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
Hoeven and other Governors met Tuesday with U.S. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Governor emphasized the importance of limiting overseas deployments of the National Guard to 12 months, rather than the 18 months that has been policy. This is something Hoeven has worked on with the National Guard Bureau to change; the Pentagon recently announced it would make the policy change.
“Our men and women in the National Guard do an outstanding job for our state and our nation, and their families and employers also make sacrifices,” Hoeven said. “We need to be mindful of the burden we place on them and make sure we do all we can to assist. We truly appreciate their service.”
-###-
AGRICULTURE – DISASTER AID AND NEW FARM BILL
Hoeven, along with S.D. Gov. Mike Rounds, met Tuesday with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, Agriculture Advisor to the President Hunter Moorhead, and senior USDA staff to encourage support for agriculture disaster aid in the short term and a strong Farm Bill for the future.
Hoeven was there to push for support for a $3 billion agriculture disaster package that Congress may attach to the new Iraq supplemental budget bill. The plan has an option available for producers to apply aid to losses incurred during the 2005, 2006 or 2007 growing season.
Hoeven has been working with fellow governors to build support for disaster aid at the annual Winter Meeting of the National Governors Association. Last fall, he got more than 20 governors to sign on to a letter to congressional leaders in support of comprehensive drought assistance for farmers and ranchers. While in Washington, he has continued to press for their support.
“We have been working to get broad bipartisan support from a large part of the nation for the effort to help our farmers and ranchers,” Hoeven said. “We’ll continue to press for it and I believe it has a good chance of passing.”
Hoeven also discussed with Johanns the need to have either a disaster title or improvements to crop insurance in the upcoming Farm Bill.
The Administration is proposing a “gap” crop insurance program in the Farm Bill to manage risk not covered by the existing program. For most producers, it is affordable only to insure up to 70 percent of losses under the current crop insurance program. The new program would cover the remaining 30 percent with more reasonable premium costs, officials say.
“The Administration and Congress are moving in the right direction on crop insurance. They’re addressing this important issue, which we’ve worked very hard to get them to focus on,” Hoeven said. “We’ll have to study the details, and review them with our farmers and ranchers, as well as the farm associations, but this appears to take us a step closer.”
Hoeven said: “We need to get our farmers and ranchers in a secure position, and then we need to replace this cycle of ad hoc disaster bills with sensible, long-term legislation to provide our producers with the predictability they need to plan for the future,” Hoeven said. “That means a solid farm bill, with a counter-cyclical safety net, planting flexibility, support for renewable energy, a strong conservation title, and either adequate crop insurance or a disaster title.”
HOEVEN MEETS WITH ENERGY HEADS
Hoeven also met with U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman to discuss opportunities for renewable energy development in the state, such as wind, ethanol, and biodiesel, as well as development of traditional energy sources using new technologies in environmentally friendly ways.
Hoeven detailed North Dakota’s progress in wind and biofuels development, highlighting the state’s comprehensive renewable energy plan and the need for strong federal incentives. He cited innovative North Dakota renewable projects, such as the Spiritwood Industrial Park, which is collocating a 100 million gallon ethanol plant, the largest malting barley facility in North America and a beneficiated coal electrical generating plant. The Governor asked Bodman for assistance from Department of Energy (DoE) for renewable energy research funding for cellusosic ethanol, switchgrass, and other new technologies, as well as tax incentives and loan guarantees for new projects.
“North Dakota’s renewable industry is finding new and more efficient ways to meet the nation’s demand for clean, alternative energy while creating good paying jobs for North Dakotans.” Hoeven said. “We’ll be working in the coming months with the Secretary to advance these renewable projects with federal resources.”
Hoeven and Bodman also discussed accessing research funding for carbon sequestration technology that will reduce greenhouse emissions and enhance oil and gas recovery. The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, manages the Plains CO2 Reduction Partnership, which is researching the feasibility of capturing and storing carbon dioxide. The partnership is composed of nearly 50 private and public sector groups from nine states and three Canadian provinces.
“This is an area where North Dakota is leading the way to reduce carbon emissions,” Hoeven said. “The research and development being conducted right here in our state will help protect our environment and at the same time build our economy by producing more energy, while reducing CO2 into the atmosphere.”
In addition, Hoeven said DoE is writing regulations for $4 billion in loan guarantees for clean energy projects that should help the state’s Lignite Energy 21 projects advance.
“Federal loan guarantees can help speed development of our Lignite Vision 21 projects and clean energy development using innovative new technologies in environmentally friendly ways,” Hoeven said. “We’re working with the Secretary to channel some of these new resources to North Dakota, where they will generate new businesses, good jobs and higher wages for our people.”
Hoeven also met with Ken Krieg, Under Secretary of Defense, and Michael Aimone, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for the Air Force. Aimone is the Air Force lead for a study that is looking at North Dakota as a test sites to determine the feasibility and costs associated with production of jet fuel from coal.
“We’re pressing for research opportunities and purchase agreements that will leverage our resources in ways that help our state, and our nation,” Hoeven said. “We are well positioned to make a significant contribution in this area.”
HOEVEN MEETS WITH CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
Hoeven and other Governors met Tuesday with U.S. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Governor emphasized the importance of limiting overseas deployments of the National Guard to 12 months, rather than the 18 months that has been policy. This is something Hoeven has worked on with the National Guard Bureau to change; the Pentagon recently announced it would make the policy change.
“Our men and women in the National Guard do an outstanding job for our state and our nation, and their families and employers also make sacrifices,” Hoeven said. “We need to be mindful of the burden we place on them and make sure we do all we can to assist. We truly appreciate their service.”
-###-
Monday, February 26, 2007
From the Drudge Report - POWER: GORE MANSION USES 20X AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD; CONSUMPTION INCREASE AFTER 'TRUTH'
POWER: GORE MANSION USES 20X AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD; CONSUMPTION INCREASE AFTER 'TRUTH'
Mon Feb 26 2007 17:16:14 ET
The Tennessee Center for Policy Research, an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization committed to achieving a freer, more prosperous Tennessee through free market policy solutions, issued a press release late Monday:
Last night, Al Gore’s global-warming documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, collected an Oscar for best documentary feature, but the Tennessee Center for Policy Research has found that Gore deserves a gold statue for hypocrisy.
Gore’s mansion, [20-room, eight-bathroom] located in the posh Belle Meade area of Nashville, consumes more electricity every month than the average American household uses in an entire year, according to the Nashville Electric Service (NES).
In his documentary, the former Vice President calls on Americans to conserve energy by reducing electricity consumption at home.
The average household in America consumes 10,656 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, according to the Department of Energy. In 2006, Gore devoured nearly 221,000 kWh—more than 20 times the national average.
Last August alone, Gore burned through 22,619 kWh—guzzling more than twice the electricity in one month than an average American family uses in an entire year. As a result of his energy consumption, Gore’s average monthly electric bill topped $1,359.
Since the release of An Inconvenient Truth, Gore’s energy consumption has increased from an average of 16,200 kWh per month in 2005, to 18,400 kWh per month in 2006.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Mon Feb 26 2007 17:16:14 ET
The Tennessee Center for Policy Research, an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization committed to achieving a freer, more prosperous Tennessee through free market policy solutions, issued a press release late Monday:
Last night, Al Gore’s global-warming documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, collected an Oscar for best documentary feature, but the Tennessee Center for Policy Research has found that Gore deserves a gold statue for hypocrisy.
Gore’s mansion, [20-room, eight-bathroom] located in the posh Belle Meade area of Nashville, consumes more electricity every month than the average American household uses in an entire year, according to the Nashville Electric Service (NES).
In his documentary, the former Vice President calls on Americans to conserve energy by reducing electricity consumption at home.
The average household in America consumes 10,656 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, according to the Department of Energy. In 2006, Gore devoured nearly 221,000 kWh—more than 20 times the national average.
Last August alone, Gore burned through 22,619 kWh—guzzling more than twice the electricity in one month than an average American family uses in an entire year. As a result of his energy consumption, Gore’s average monthly electric bill topped $1,359.
Since the release of An Inconvenient Truth, Gore’s energy consumption has increased from an average of 16,200 kWh per month in 2005, to 18,400 kWh per month in 2006.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
From the USA Today .... GOP is abandoning Bush? Not quite
GOP is abandoning Bush? Not quite
By Richard Benedetto
The Washington punditocracy has proclaimed far and wide that Republicans, disenchanted with the war in Iraq, are abandoning President Bush in droves, leaving him the lamest of lame ducks. However, the latest USA TODAY/Gallup Poll suggests Bush might not be as wounded as he appears — at least not among his party faithful.
The Feb. 9-11 poll puts Bush's job approval at 37%, but among people who identify themselves as Republican or leaning Republican, his approval rating is 76%.
Click here to read the full article.
By Richard Benedetto
The Washington punditocracy has proclaimed far and wide that Republicans, disenchanted with the war in Iraq, are abandoning President Bush in droves, leaving him the lamest of lame ducks. However, the latest USA TODAY/Gallup Poll suggests Bush might not be as wounded as he appears — at least not among his party faithful.
The Feb. 9-11 poll puts Bush's job approval at 37%, but among people who identify themselves as Republican or leaning Republican, his approval rating is 76%.
Click here to read the full article.
From the Fargo Forum ... Gov. John Hoeven: New energy plans look to future
Gov. John Hoeven: New energy plans look to future
The Forum
Published Sunday, February 25, 2007
Working with legislative leaders, we’re pushing hard for a comprehensive renewable energy plan for North Dakota that includes a broad range of forward-looking initiatives and goals. Recently, House Majority Leader Rick Berg, Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem and other leading legislators joined me to detail a more than $43 million plan, which is designed to drive our current momentum in the field of renewable energy. This effort will not only create more high paying jobs for North Dakotans, but also help us reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign sources of energy.
Our plan includes...
Clcik here to read more
The Forum
Published Sunday, February 25, 2007
Working with legislative leaders, we’re pushing hard for a comprehensive renewable energy plan for North Dakota that includes a broad range of forward-looking initiatives and goals. Recently, House Majority Leader Rick Berg, Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem and other leading legislators joined me to detail a more than $43 million plan, which is designed to drive our current momentum in the field of renewable energy. This effort will not only create more high paying jobs for North Dakotans, but also help us reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign sources of energy.
Our plan includes...
Clcik here to read more
Thursday, February 22, 2007
North Dakota Elected Officials Appointed to National Leadership Positions
North Dakota Officials Appointed to CSG Leadership Positions
Rep. Kim Koppelman of North Dakota, the Chairman-elect of the Council of State Governments, has announced the appointment of four North Dakota officials to prominent national leadership positions in CSG.
Rep. Blair Thoreson of Fargo was appointed to co-chair the CSG Technology Working Group.
Sen. Rich Wardner of Dickinson will co-chair the CSG Education Policy Task Force,
Speaker of the House, Rep. Jeff Delzer of Underwood, will vice chair the Health Policy Task Force.
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem will vice chair the Public Safety and Justice Task Force once co-chaired by Koppelman.
"These appointments are important to North Dakota, because they give our state great influence in this very prominent national state government organization," said Koppelman. "It isn't often that this many people from our state rise to this level of leadership in such an important national organization, particularly at the same time."
CSG is the only national organization made up of all three branches of government in all 50 states. Its members also include US territories and several Canadian provinces, including those bordering North Dakota, are affiliate members.
"These appointments are in keeping with North Dakota's long history of active participation and leadership within the interstate community," said Mike McCabe, director of CSG Midwest, one of four regions within CSG's national structure. "CSG is honored to have this fine group of distinguished public officials from North Dakota in key leadership positions and we look forward to Representative Koppelman's turn at the helm."
The Midwestern Region includes 11 states, from North Dakota to Ohio. Regional meetings, as well as national meetings, are held each year.
Rep. Kim Koppelman of North Dakota, the Chairman-elect of the Council of State Governments, has announced the appointment of four North Dakota officials to prominent national leadership positions in CSG.
Rep. Blair Thoreson of Fargo was appointed to co-chair the CSG Technology Working Group.
Sen. Rich Wardner of Dickinson will co-chair the CSG Education Policy Task Force,
Speaker of the House, Rep. Jeff Delzer of Underwood, will vice chair the Health Policy Task Force.
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem will vice chair the Public Safety and Justice Task Force once co-chaired by Koppelman.
"These appointments are important to North Dakota, because they give our state great influence in this very prominent national state government organization," said Koppelman. "It isn't often that this many people from our state rise to this level of leadership in such an important national organization, particularly at the same time."
CSG is the only national organization made up of all three branches of government in all 50 states. Its members also include US territories and several Canadian provinces, including those bordering North Dakota, are affiliate members.
"These appointments are in keeping with North Dakota's long history of active participation and leadership within the interstate community," said Mike McCabe, director of CSG Midwest, one of four regions within CSG's national structure. "CSG is honored to have this fine group of distinguished public officials from North Dakota in key leadership positions and we look forward to Representative Koppelman's turn at the helm."
The Midwestern Region includes 11 states, from North Dakota to Ohio. Regional meetings, as well as national meetings, are held each year.
FONG: TAXPAYERS SHOULD CHECK INTO FREE E-FILE
BISMARCK, N.D. - Tax Commissioner Cory Fong today reminded taxpayers about free electronic filing (e-file) options available on the state Tax Department's web site.
"We encourage taxpayers to check into the free services listed on the North Dakota Tax Department's web site," said Fong. "That is because not all the services listed on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) web site include North Dakota's forms in their products."
The free e-file services are available through a partnership between the state, the IRS, and the private tax software industry. Taxpayers will find a number of tax software companies listed on the Department's web site at www.nd.gov/tax. Those companies offer to prepare and file tax returns free for taxpayers who meet certain criteria. Each company sets its' own conditions, which are usually based on factors such as age, military status, or adjusted gross income.
"Our web site features free e-file services and offers links to the latest tax preparation software that allows taxpayers to file electronically for free," said Fong. The Tax Department estimates that about 60 percent of North Dakotans might qualify for free file.
Through e-file, taxpayers can submit their state and federal income tax returns at the same time. The tax software uses a question-and-answer format to help taxpayers complete their tax return. As they enter data into the system, the software will automatically transfer relevant data from the federal return to the state return.
Taxpayers may also choose to have their refunds deposited directly into their bank account. And that means they get their refunds faster than if they wait for a traditional paper check. And, to help taxpayers track their refund, the Tax Department now offers an online refund tracking system called "Where's My Refund?"
"The new online tool allows taxpayers to quickly find out the status of their refund," said Fong. "Taxpayers can use the online system 24 hours a day seven days a week."
Taxpayers can access "Where's My Refund?" by going online at www.nd.gov/tax. After entering certain information, they will learn:
* If their return was not received or not processed;
* If their return is being processed; or
* The date their refund was issued.
For more information about electronic filing options, taxpayers can visit the Tax Department's web site at www.nd.gov/tax, or call (701) 328-3450.
"We encourage taxpayers to check into the free services listed on the North Dakota Tax Department's web site," said Fong. "That is because not all the services listed on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) web site include North Dakota's forms in their products."
The free e-file services are available through a partnership between the state, the IRS, and the private tax software industry. Taxpayers will find a number of tax software companies listed on the Department's web site at www.nd.gov/tax. Those companies offer to prepare and file tax returns free for taxpayers who meet certain criteria. Each company sets its' own conditions, which are usually based on factors such as age, military status, or adjusted gross income.
"Our web site features free e-file services and offers links to the latest tax preparation software that allows taxpayers to file electronically for free," said Fong. The Tax Department estimates that about 60 percent of North Dakotans might qualify for free file.
Through e-file, taxpayers can submit their state and federal income tax returns at the same time. The tax software uses a question-and-answer format to help taxpayers complete their tax return. As they enter data into the system, the software will automatically transfer relevant data from the federal return to the state return.
Taxpayers may also choose to have their refunds deposited directly into their bank account. And that means they get their refunds faster than if they wait for a traditional paper check. And, to help taxpayers track their refund, the Tax Department now offers an online refund tracking system called "Where's My Refund?"
"The new online tool allows taxpayers to quickly find out the status of their refund," said Fong. "Taxpayers can use the online system 24 hours a day seven days a week."
Taxpayers can access "Where's My Refund?" by going online at www.nd.gov/tax. After entering certain information, they will learn:
* If their return was not received or not processed;
* If their return is being processed; or
* The date their refund was issued.
For more information about electronic filing options, taxpayers can visit the Tax Department's web site at www.nd.gov/tax, or call (701) 328-3450.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
POLL: AMERICANS 'WANT TO WIN IN IRAQ'
In case the mainstream media fails to cover this issue. From today's Drudge Report.
www.drudgereport.com
POLL: AMERICANS 'WANT TO WIN IN IRAQ'
Tue Feb 20 2007 16:21:32 ET
In the wake of the U.S. House of Representatives passing a resolution that amounts to a vote of no confidence in the Bush administration's policies in Iraq, a new national survey by Alexandria, VA-based Public Opinion Strategies (POS) shows the American people may have some different ideas from their elected leaders on this issue.
The survey was conducted nationwide February 5-7 among a bi-partisan, cross-section of 800 registered voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percent. The survey was commissioned by The Moriah Group, a Chattanooga-based strategic communications and public affairs firm.
The survey shows Americans want to win in Iraq, and that they understand Iraq is the central point in the war against terrorism and they can support a U.S. strategy aimed at achieving victory, said Neil Newhouse, a partner in POS. The idea of pulling back from Iraq is not where the majority of Americans are.
By a 53 percent - 46 percent margin, respondents surveyed said that Democrats are going too far, too fast in pressing the President to withdraw troops from Iraq.
By identical 57 percent - 41 percent margins, voters agreed with these statements: I support finishing the job in Iraq, that is, keeping the troops there until the Iraqi government can maintain control and provide security and the Iraqi war is a key part of the global war on terrorism.
Also, by a 56 percent - 43 percent margin, voters agreed that even if they have concerns about his war policies, Americans should stand behind the President in Iraq because we are at war.
While the survey shows voters believe (60 percent- 34 percent) that Iraq will never become a stable democracy, they still disagree that victory in Iraq (creating a young, but stable democracy and reducing the threat of terrorism at home) is no longer possible. Fifty-three percent say it's still possible, while 43 percent disagree.
By a wide 74 percent - 25 percent margin, voters disagree with the notion that "I don't really care what happens in Iraq after the U.S. leaves, I just want the troops brought home."
When asked which statement best describes their position on the Iraq War, voters are evenly divided (50 percent - 49 percent) between positions of "doing whatever it takes to restore order until the Iraqis can govern and provide security to their country," and positions that call for immediate withdrawal or a strict timetable.
27 percent said "the Iraq war is the front line in the battle against terrorism and our troops should stay there and do whatever it takes to restore order until the Iraqis can govern and provide security to their country."
23 percent said "while I don't agree that the U.S. should be in the war, our troops should stay there and do whatever it takes to restore order until the Iraqis can govern and provide security to their country."
32 percent said "whether Iraq is stable or not, the U.S. should set and hold to a strict timetable for withdrawing troops."
17 percent said "the U.S. should immediately withdraw its troops from Iraq."
The survey also found that voters thought it would hurt American prestige more to pull out of Iraq immediately (59 percent) than it would to stay there for the long term (35 percent). Public Opinion Strategies "scored the best win-loss record among the major polling and media firms in the 2004 election" and was named Pollster of the Year in 2002.
www.drudgereport.com
POLL: AMERICANS 'WANT TO WIN IN IRAQ'
Tue Feb 20 2007 16:21:32 ET
In the wake of the U.S. House of Representatives passing a resolution that amounts to a vote of no confidence in the Bush administration's policies in Iraq, a new national survey by Alexandria, VA-based Public Opinion Strategies (POS) shows the American people may have some different ideas from their elected leaders on this issue.
The survey was conducted nationwide February 5-7 among a bi-partisan, cross-section of 800 registered voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percent. The survey was commissioned by The Moriah Group, a Chattanooga-based strategic communications and public affairs firm.
The survey shows Americans want to win in Iraq, and that they understand Iraq is the central point in the war against terrorism and they can support a U.S. strategy aimed at achieving victory, said Neil Newhouse, a partner in POS. The idea of pulling back from Iraq is not where the majority of Americans are.
By a 53 percent - 46 percent margin, respondents surveyed said that Democrats are going too far, too fast in pressing the President to withdraw troops from Iraq.
By identical 57 percent - 41 percent margins, voters agreed with these statements: I support finishing the job in Iraq, that is, keeping the troops there until the Iraqi government can maintain control and provide security and the Iraqi war is a key part of the global war on terrorism.
Also, by a 56 percent - 43 percent margin, voters agreed that even if they have concerns about his war policies, Americans should stand behind the President in Iraq because we are at war.
While the survey shows voters believe (60 percent- 34 percent) that Iraq will never become a stable democracy, they still disagree that victory in Iraq (creating a young, but stable democracy and reducing the threat of terrorism at home) is no longer possible. Fifty-three percent say it's still possible, while 43 percent disagree.
By a wide 74 percent - 25 percent margin, voters disagree with the notion that "I don't really care what happens in Iraq after the U.S. leaves, I just want the troops brought home."
When asked which statement best describes their position on the Iraq War, voters are evenly divided (50 percent - 49 percent) between positions of "doing whatever it takes to restore order until the Iraqis can govern and provide security to their country," and positions that call for immediate withdrawal or a strict timetable.
27 percent said "the Iraq war is the front line in the battle against terrorism and our troops should stay there and do whatever it takes to restore order until the Iraqis can govern and provide security to their country."
23 percent said "while I don't agree that the U.S. should be in the war, our troops should stay there and do whatever it takes to restore order until the Iraqis can govern and provide security to their country."
32 percent said "whether Iraq is stable or not, the U.S. should set and hold to a strict timetable for withdrawing troops."
17 percent said "the U.S. should immediately withdraw its troops from Iraq."
The survey also found that voters thought it would hurt American prestige more to pull out of Iraq immediately (59 percent) than it would to stay there for the long term (35 percent). Public Opinion Strategies "scored the best win-loss record among the major polling and media firms in the 2004 election" and was named Pollster of the Year in 2002.
Republicans Leading the Way in the State Legislature
Legislature addressing major issues
From the Fargo Forum
By Sen. Bob Stenehjem and Rep. Rick Berg,
Published Sunday, February 18, 2007
The first half of the legislative session is complete and has been marked by rigorous debate and the setting of important new public policy for North Dakota’s future. Both chambers of the Legislature have passed bills that address the top concerns of North Dakotans – providing property tax relief, increasing the minimum wage, growing our economy, adequately compensating state employees, funding education increases, developing renewable and traditional energy, and protecting our citizens.
The state’s budget is stronger than ever, which allows us to increase funding at record levels across the board. But we must not increase state spending today beyond what can be sustained when funds are sparse tomorrow. We have a responsibility to maintain adequate state reserves. Republicans are committed to accomplishing this objective by doubling the budget stabilization fund to $200 million to provide for a rainy day.
That said, our top priority is supporting policies that will continue growing North Dakota’s economy and creating a better future for our people. Economic growth will provide the fuel we need to take care of our seniors, to continue improving our education system and to create good-paying jobs. "
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From the Fargo Forum
By Sen. Bob Stenehjem and Rep. Rick Berg,
Published Sunday, February 18, 2007
The first half of the legislative session is complete and has been marked by rigorous debate and the setting of important new public policy for North Dakota’s future. Both chambers of the Legislature have passed bills that address the top concerns of North Dakotans – providing property tax relief, increasing the minimum wage, growing our economy, adequately compensating state employees, funding education increases, developing renewable and traditional energy, and protecting our citizens.
The state’s budget is stronger than ever, which allows us to increase funding at record levels across the board. But we must not increase state spending today beyond what can be sustained when funds are sparse tomorrow. We have a responsibility to maintain adequate state reserves. Republicans are committed to accomplishing this objective by doubling the budget stabilization fund to $200 million to provide for a rainy day.
That said, our top priority is supporting policies that will continue growing North Dakota’s economy and creating a better future for our people. Economic growth will provide the fuel we need to take care of our seniors, to continue improving our education system and to create good-paying jobs. "
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Thursday, February 15, 2007
LEGISLATURE, GOVERNOR WORKING ON COMPREHENSIVE RENEWABLE ENERGY PLAN
Emphasis on Promoting Renewables, Partnerships with Traditional Industries
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today joined House Majority Leader Rick Berg and Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem to detail a comprehensive $43.5 million Renewable Energy Plan. Legislators in both houses are working to fund an inclusive package of programs promoting renewable energy, including programs aimed at supporting the 25 X 25 Initiative, the national goal of generating 25 percent of the nation’s energy from renewable sources and doubling the state’s energy output from all sources by the year 2025.
Joining Hoeven and the legislative leaders were Sen. Jerry Klein; Sen. Terry Wanzek; Sen. Bob Erbele; Sen. Tim Flakoll; Rep. Todd Porter; Rep. Wes Belter; Rep. George Keiser; Rep. Craig Headland; Rep. Chet Pollert; Rep. Dave Monson; Rep. Chuck Damschen; and Rep. Mike Brandenberg.
Also participating were U.S. BioHankinson’s Randy Schneider, president of the North Dakota Ethanol Producers Association; Executive Director of the Northern Canola Growers Barry Coleman; and Kim Christianson, Director of the North Dakota Office of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, N.D. Department of Commerce.
“These initiatives will both expand renewable energy development in North Dakota, and link those new industries with traditional industries to lift all of our resources together,” Hoeven said. “We’re the sixth largest energy producing and exporting state in the country, and this plan will help build on our position of leadership to create more opportunities for our citizens and achieve greater energy independence for our nation.”
“The renewable fuels industry in North Dakota is expanding,” Berg said. “This exciting package of incentives and goals highlights our commitment to further enhance its growth, and foster dynamic partnerships between the energy resources of the future and established industries.”
“This plan builds on North Dakota’s strengths – agriculture and energy – and it helps where the help is most needed: by promoting investments and collaboration,” Stenehjem said. “By harnessing all of our energy resources, we are moving the state forward in a steady, balanced and focused way.”
PROMOTING RENEWABLE ENERGY
Renewable Energy Investment programs – $13.3 million
A $5 million Biofuels PACE interest buy-down in ethanol, biodiesel facilities; livestock operations and grain storage (HB 1014 and SB 2180) will support a minimum of $25 million, but potentially $750 million of new investment in biofuels
A $7.3 million ethanol production incentive fund; counter-cyclical support for ethanol plants.
Alternative Energy Development – $7.25 million
$3 million general fund appropriation, with authority to leverage an additional $17 million for a renewable energy grant fund within the Industrial Commission for projects promoting North Dakota-produced energy, including: biodiesel, biomass, coal, ethanol, geothermal, hydroelectric, hydrogen, natural gas, oil, solar, and wind (SB 2288).
$2.5 million appropriation for a biomass demonstration project and biomass incentives (HB 1515)
$200,000 toward the establishment of a hydrogen energy production and fueling station in Fargo. (HB 1458)
$1 million for biomass and hemp research and education efforts at the NDSU experiment station and extension service. (HB 1020)
A $550,000 sales tax exemption for materials used to construct a waste heat electric generating facility. (SB 2141)
Renewable Energy Research & Development – $7 million
A $7 million agriculture greenhouse at NDSU to help develop new sources of raw materials for biofuels, including cellulose and switchgrass; as well as agronomic research on oilseeds and corn to achieve higher biofuels production per acre (HB 1020)
Investment Tax Credits – $15 million
Investment Tax Credits with the potential to generate investments in 10 renewable energy projects per year. If five projects with $10 million in investments qualify annually, $100 million in projects could be initiated during the biennium. (SB 2081).
A tradable income tax credit for installation of geothermal, solar or wind energy devices. (HB 1233)
Livestock Incentives (renewable energy byproduct) – $1 million
A $1 million interest buy-down loan program on new or expanding livestock or dairy operations (HB 1135)
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) (SB 2180)
A 30 percent Investment Tax Credit for livestock feeding and milking operations that use biofuels facility byproducts (HB 1027)
Wind- regulatory relief, tax treatment
A property tax reduction for wind generation units from 3 percent to 1.5 percent of assessed value. (HB 1317)
PARTNERING RENEWABLES WITH TRADITIONAL ENERGY INDUSTRIES
Additional measures leverage renewable and alternative fuels by partnering with traditional energy industries:
Traditional-Renewable Energy Partnerships
A new Pipeline Authority to assist private industry construct additional capacity to ship crude oil, natural gas, carbon dioxide ethanol, biodiesel and other energy products to market. At current levels of production, North Dakota could realize an additional $230 million by increasing pipeline capacity to larger markets. (HB 1128)
A strengthened Transmission Authority to encourage new wind farm and coal generation development. Provides additional flexibility for the Authority to build new power transmission lines. (HB 1127)
New research dollars through Lignite Vision 21 and the Oil and Gas Research Fund to accelerate development of environmentally friendly production of electricity, natural gas, and alternative fuels, like wind, coal-to-liquid, coal gasification and carbon sequestration technologies. (HB 1093)
A COMMITMENT FOR THE FUTURE
Hoeven in his State of the State Address endorsed the national 25X25 Initiative, which is included in HB 1462. The measure sets a goal to derive 25 percent of the nation’s energy from renewable sources by the year 2025. To achieve that goal, the Governor and legislators set an additional goal of doubling North Dakota’s energy production from all sources by the year 2025.
Currently, North Dakota wind producers are working with power companies to expand transmission capacity for both industries. Similarly, biofuels producers are partnering to use clean coal technology to provide affordable power to biofuels facilities at Blue Flint Ethanol, Spiritwood Ethanol, and Red Trail Energy. Farmers in turn benefit from new markets for corn, canola and soybeans, and ranchers and dairy producers are provided with high quality feed as a byproduct of biofuels production. For example, the ADM biodiesel facility at Velva will use more than 1 million acres of canola annually.
“Biofuels, wind power, Lignite Energy 21 projects, and Oil and Gas Research into clean, environmentally sound technologies – all of these incentives work together to lift our state’s economy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” Hoeven said. “They provide the leverage we need to collaborate and carry us to our goals.”
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BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today joined House Majority Leader Rick Berg and Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem to detail a comprehensive $43.5 million Renewable Energy Plan. Legislators in both houses are working to fund an inclusive package of programs promoting renewable energy, including programs aimed at supporting the 25 X 25 Initiative, the national goal of generating 25 percent of the nation’s energy from renewable sources and doubling the state’s energy output from all sources by the year 2025.
Joining Hoeven and the legislative leaders were Sen. Jerry Klein; Sen. Terry Wanzek; Sen. Bob Erbele; Sen. Tim Flakoll; Rep. Todd Porter; Rep. Wes Belter; Rep. George Keiser; Rep. Craig Headland; Rep. Chet Pollert; Rep. Dave Monson; Rep. Chuck Damschen; and Rep. Mike Brandenberg.
Also participating were U.S. BioHankinson’s Randy Schneider, president of the North Dakota Ethanol Producers Association; Executive Director of the Northern Canola Growers Barry Coleman; and Kim Christianson, Director of the North Dakota Office of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, N.D. Department of Commerce.
“These initiatives will both expand renewable energy development in North Dakota, and link those new industries with traditional industries to lift all of our resources together,” Hoeven said. “We’re the sixth largest energy producing and exporting state in the country, and this plan will help build on our position of leadership to create more opportunities for our citizens and achieve greater energy independence for our nation.”
“The renewable fuels industry in North Dakota is expanding,” Berg said. “This exciting package of incentives and goals highlights our commitment to further enhance its growth, and foster dynamic partnerships between the energy resources of the future and established industries.”
“This plan builds on North Dakota’s strengths – agriculture and energy – and it helps where the help is most needed: by promoting investments and collaboration,” Stenehjem said. “By harnessing all of our energy resources, we are moving the state forward in a steady, balanced and focused way.”
PROMOTING RENEWABLE ENERGY
Renewable Energy Investment programs – $13.3 million
A $5 million Biofuels PACE interest buy-down in ethanol, biodiesel facilities; livestock operations and grain storage (HB 1014 and SB 2180) will support a minimum of $25 million, but potentially $750 million of new investment in biofuels
A $7.3 million ethanol production incentive fund; counter-cyclical support for ethanol plants.
Alternative Energy Development – $7.25 million
$3 million general fund appropriation, with authority to leverage an additional $17 million for a renewable energy grant fund within the Industrial Commission for projects promoting North Dakota-produced energy, including: biodiesel, biomass, coal, ethanol, geothermal, hydroelectric, hydrogen, natural gas, oil, solar, and wind (SB 2288).
$2.5 million appropriation for a biomass demonstration project and biomass incentives (HB 1515)
$200,000 toward the establishment of a hydrogen energy production and fueling station in Fargo. (HB 1458)
$1 million for biomass and hemp research and education efforts at the NDSU experiment station and extension service. (HB 1020)
A $550,000 sales tax exemption for materials used to construct a waste heat electric generating facility. (SB 2141)
Renewable Energy Research & Development – $7 million
A $7 million agriculture greenhouse at NDSU to help develop new sources of raw materials for biofuels, including cellulose and switchgrass; as well as agronomic research on oilseeds and corn to achieve higher biofuels production per acre (HB 1020)
Investment Tax Credits – $15 million
Investment Tax Credits with the potential to generate investments in 10 renewable energy projects per year. If five projects with $10 million in investments qualify annually, $100 million in projects could be initiated during the biennium. (SB 2081).
A tradable income tax credit for installation of geothermal, solar or wind energy devices. (HB 1233)
Livestock Incentives (renewable energy byproduct) – $1 million
A $1 million interest buy-down loan program on new or expanding livestock or dairy operations (HB 1135)
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) (SB 2180)
A 30 percent Investment Tax Credit for livestock feeding and milking operations that use biofuels facility byproducts (HB 1027)
Wind- regulatory relief, tax treatment
A property tax reduction for wind generation units from 3 percent to 1.5 percent of assessed value. (HB 1317)
PARTNERING RENEWABLES WITH TRADITIONAL ENERGY INDUSTRIES
Additional measures leverage renewable and alternative fuels by partnering with traditional energy industries:
Traditional-Renewable Energy Partnerships
A new Pipeline Authority to assist private industry construct additional capacity to ship crude oil, natural gas, carbon dioxide ethanol, biodiesel and other energy products to market. At current levels of production, North Dakota could realize an additional $230 million by increasing pipeline capacity to larger markets. (HB 1128)
A strengthened Transmission Authority to encourage new wind farm and coal generation development. Provides additional flexibility for the Authority to build new power transmission lines. (HB 1127)
New research dollars through Lignite Vision 21 and the Oil and Gas Research Fund to accelerate development of environmentally friendly production of electricity, natural gas, and alternative fuels, like wind, coal-to-liquid, coal gasification and carbon sequestration technologies. (HB 1093)
A COMMITMENT FOR THE FUTURE
Hoeven in his State of the State Address endorsed the national 25X25 Initiative, which is included in HB 1462. The measure sets a goal to derive 25 percent of the nation’s energy from renewable sources by the year 2025. To achieve that goal, the Governor and legislators set an additional goal of doubling North Dakota’s energy production from all sources by the year 2025.
Currently, North Dakota wind producers are working with power companies to expand transmission capacity for both industries. Similarly, biofuels producers are partnering to use clean coal technology to provide affordable power to biofuels facilities at Blue Flint Ethanol, Spiritwood Ethanol, and Red Trail Energy. Farmers in turn benefit from new markets for corn, canola and soybeans, and ranchers and dairy producers are provided with high quality feed as a byproduct of biofuels production. For example, the ADM biodiesel facility at Velva will use more than 1 million acres of canola annually.
“Biofuels, wind power, Lignite Energy 21 projects, and Oil and Gas Research into clean, environmentally sound technologies – all of these incentives work together to lift our state’s economy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” Hoeven said. “They provide the leverage we need to collaborate and carry us to our goals.”
-###-
Senator Tim Flakoll: School finance package in review: Bill passed the Senate on February 14, 2007
Executive Summary:
The North Dakota Senate voted overwhelmingly to support a historical increase in funding K-12 education. The Senate adopted $82.5 million in new funding for K-12 education. The amount of the Senate’s increase is approximately 20 percent more than the combined K-12 funding increases for a continuous twelve-year period in the 1980s and 1990s.
The bill will provide for all schools to be at 90 percent of the statewide average in funding. It calls for an addition of $8 million for special education funding (including a 30 percent increase for high cost students), $1 million in Joint Powers Agreements, and $2 million for career and technical education.
The legislation also provides for $5 million for all-day kindergarten programs. This is the first time the state has funded all-day kindergarten.
The bill provides weighting factors that reflect the additional costs of educating students based on many factors such as school size, English Language Learner programs and early childhood programs.
Provisions of the bill:
1) Provides $80.5 million (SB 2200) in new funding for schools (plus $2 million in SB 2013).
2) Provides significant increase in state payments for school districts so that every school is at least 90 percent of the statewide average imputed taxable valuation per student.
3) Provides an increase of 30 percent for students who qualify for special education contracts for these very high cost students (costing from approximately $26,000 to more than $150,000 per student). The new legislation will require the state to pay 100 percent of the costs for special education contract students who cost more than 3.5 times the statewide average for the upcoming biennium. For the 2009-2011 biennium, that threshold is reduced to 3 times the statewide average, and the state will cover an even greater portion of students in the 2011–2013 biennium when it drops to 2.5 times the statewide average.
4) Provides for a minimum increase of 102 percent in per student payments the first year and 103 percent the second year with a cap of 107 percent the first year and 110 percent the second year (excluding any equity funding).
5) Provides $8 million in new special education funding on per student payments and for the high cost contract students.
6) Provides financial assistance of 50 to 200 basis points in interest buy down to districts that meet established criteria for reorganization.
7) Provides $1.2 million in new money to provide two new career and technical centers to be built in underserved areas.
8) Appropriates $800,000 in new money to the State Board for Career and Technical Education to encourage greater cooperative delivery of career and technical education programs.
9) Increase of 100 percent in the direct appropriation for Joint Powers Agreements with an increase from $1 million to $2 million in funding.
10) Provides $5 million for all-day kindergarten programs ($3 million in SB 2200 and $2 million in SB 2013). This is a new initiative and the first time we have provided funding for full-day kindergarten.
11) Provides categorical weighting factors for areas such as small isolated schools, kindergarten, special education, early childhood education, alternative high schools and ELL students.
12) Establishes simplified school-size weighting factors to reflect differences in efficiencies between schools of varying sizes. Weighting factors range from 1.0 in larger districts to 1.25 in smaller districts.
13) For the first time ever, the formula provides a special weighting factor for graded elementary schools (ex. K-6 and K-8 schools).
14) Reorganized schools receive a handsome incentive by the creation of a
blended weighting factor based on each district’s school-size weighting factor prior to reorganization. Requires a long six-year transition/hold harmless provision.
15) To provide greater equity, the bill establishes the provision for “imputed taxable valuation” and defines it as the valuation of all taxable real property in the district plus an amount determined by dividing 50 percent of in-lieu-of-tax categories such as the district’s mineral revenue by the district’s general fund mill levy.
16) Currently in law, a “small isolated high school” is one that has fewer than 35 students in ADM, and15 percent of those students are required to travel more than a 20-mile radius to attend school. The 20-mile radius was amended to a 15-mile radius. Those additional rural students will now enjoy a 25 percent increase in base funding per student.
17) Provides a trigger mechanism whereby if actual state income exceeds projections by $30 million, $10 million will go to school districts for deferred maintenance programs. Under the program, each district will get $20,000 which will add up to approximately $4 million, plus the school districts will be given their pro rata share of the remaining money using the latest available average daily membership of each school district.
18) Establishes a line for contingency money, which is appropriated money that remains after all statutory payment obligations have been made for the biennium. The first million or so much money as necessary will go to cover any unmet special education contract obligations. The second million will go for Joint Powers Agreements. The third line would pay all remaining money in additional per student payments.
19) Continues FTE payments based on teacher numbers.
20) Requires a minimum effort of 150 mills in year one and 155 mills in year two.
21) Continues the requirement that 70 percent of new state dollars from per pupil payments be earmarked for increased teacher compensation.
22) Allows each school district to provide special education through an educational association governed by a joint powers agreement in addition to the two current options, which are to provide special education services as a single district or as a multi-district unit.
--30--
The North Dakota Senate voted overwhelmingly to support a historical increase in funding K-12 education. The Senate adopted $82.5 million in new funding for K-12 education. The amount of the Senate’s increase is approximately 20 percent more than the combined K-12 funding increases for a continuous twelve-year period in the 1980s and 1990s.
The bill will provide for all schools to be at 90 percent of the statewide average in funding. It calls for an addition of $8 million for special education funding (including a 30 percent increase for high cost students), $1 million in Joint Powers Agreements, and $2 million for career and technical education.
The legislation also provides for $5 million for all-day kindergarten programs. This is the first time the state has funded all-day kindergarten.
The bill provides weighting factors that reflect the additional costs of educating students based on many factors such as school size, English Language Learner programs and early childhood programs.
Provisions of the bill:
1) Provides $80.5 million (SB 2200) in new funding for schools (plus $2 million in SB 2013).
2) Provides significant increase in state payments for school districts so that every school is at least 90 percent of the statewide average imputed taxable valuation per student.
3) Provides an increase of 30 percent for students who qualify for special education contracts for these very high cost students (costing from approximately $26,000 to more than $150,000 per student). The new legislation will require the state to pay 100 percent of the costs for special education contract students who cost more than 3.5 times the statewide average for the upcoming biennium. For the 2009-2011 biennium, that threshold is reduced to 3 times the statewide average, and the state will cover an even greater portion of students in the 2011–2013 biennium when it drops to 2.5 times the statewide average.
4) Provides for a minimum increase of 102 percent in per student payments the first year and 103 percent the second year with a cap of 107 percent the first year and 110 percent the second year (excluding any equity funding).
5) Provides $8 million in new special education funding on per student payments and for the high cost contract students.
6) Provides financial assistance of 50 to 200 basis points in interest buy down to districts that meet established criteria for reorganization.
7) Provides $1.2 million in new money to provide two new career and technical centers to be built in underserved areas.
8) Appropriates $800,000 in new money to the State Board for Career and Technical Education to encourage greater cooperative delivery of career and technical education programs.
9) Increase of 100 percent in the direct appropriation for Joint Powers Agreements with an increase from $1 million to $2 million in funding.
10) Provides $5 million for all-day kindergarten programs ($3 million in SB 2200 and $2 million in SB 2013). This is a new initiative and the first time we have provided funding for full-day kindergarten.
11) Provides categorical weighting factors for areas such as small isolated schools, kindergarten, special education, early childhood education, alternative high schools and ELL students.
12) Establishes simplified school-size weighting factors to reflect differences in efficiencies between schools of varying sizes. Weighting factors range from 1.0 in larger districts to 1.25 in smaller districts.
13) For the first time ever, the formula provides a special weighting factor for graded elementary schools (ex. K-6 and K-8 schools).
14) Reorganized schools receive a handsome incentive by the creation of a
blended weighting factor based on each district’s school-size weighting factor prior to reorganization. Requires a long six-year transition/hold harmless provision.
15) To provide greater equity, the bill establishes the provision for “imputed taxable valuation” and defines it as the valuation of all taxable real property in the district plus an amount determined by dividing 50 percent of in-lieu-of-tax categories such as the district’s mineral revenue by the district’s general fund mill levy.
16) Currently in law, a “small isolated high school” is one that has fewer than 35 students in ADM, and15 percent of those students are required to travel more than a 20-mile radius to attend school. The 20-mile radius was amended to a 15-mile radius. Those additional rural students will now enjoy a 25 percent increase in base funding per student.
17) Provides a trigger mechanism whereby if actual state income exceeds projections by $30 million, $10 million will go to school districts for deferred maintenance programs. Under the program, each district will get $20,000 which will add up to approximately $4 million, plus the school districts will be given their pro rata share of the remaining money using the latest available average daily membership of each school district.
18) Establishes a line for contingency money, which is appropriated money that remains after all statutory payment obligations have been made for the biennium. The first million or so much money as necessary will go to cover any unmet special education contract obligations. The second million will go for Joint Powers Agreements. The third line would pay all remaining money in additional per student payments.
19) Continues FTE payments based on teacher numbers.
20) Requires a minimum effort of 150 mills in year one and 155 mills in year two.
21) Continues the requirement that 70 percent of new state dollars from per pupil payments be earmarked for increased teacher compensation.
22) Allows each school district to provide special education through an educational association governed by a joint powers agreement in addition to the two current options, which are to provide special education services as a single district or as a multi-district unit.
--30--
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Republican House Gives a Valentine to the Taxpayers of North Dakota
HOUSE PASSES COMPREHENSIVE TAX RELIEF
Includes Property Tax Relief, Elimination of Marriage Penalty, Homestead Credits
Bismarck, N.D. – The North Dakota House of Representatives today passed a comprehensive tax relief package that includes property tax reductions, elimination of the marriage penalty tax and increased homestead tax credits.
The bill provides for a 10 percent reduction in for residential property tax payers and 5 percent for agricultural and commercial property. The bill also ensures that taxpayers have more control over property tax rates by requiring a vote if the local taxing authority wishes to raise spending by more than 3.5 percent. The bill allows exemptions to this provision for growth or annexation as well as emergencies such as a natural disaster.
Wes Belter (R – Leonard) chairman of the Finance and Taxation Committee said, “This comprehensive measure provides real tax relief for the residents of our state.”
The bill further reduces property taxes for low income seniors by increasing funding for the homestead property tax credit by 80 percent. Qualifying seniors with incomes of $10,000 or less will be exempt from property tax, while those who make $17,000 or less will be eligible for a partial reduction. The homestead tax credit is in addition to the 10 percent for all property tax payers.
The bill also eliminates the marriage penalty tax. Currently, many married couples are penalized with a higher tax rate on their personal income tax.
-30-
Includes Property Tax Relief, Elimination of Marriage Penalty, Homestead Credits
Bismarck, N.D. – The North Dakota House of Representatives today passed a comprehensive tax relief package that includes property tax reductions, elimination of the marriage penalty tax and increased homestead tax credits.
The bill provides for a 10 percent reduction in for residential property tax payers and 5 percent for agricultural and commercial property. The bill also ensures that taxpayers have more control over property tax rates by requiring a vote if the local taxing authority wishes to raise spending by more than 3.5 percent. The bill allows exemptions to this provision for growth or annexation as well as emergencies such as a natural disaster.
Wes Belter (R – Leonard) chairman of the Finance and Taxation Committee said, “This comprehensive measure provides real tax relief for the residents of our state.”
The bill further reduces property taxes for low income seniors by increasing funding for the homestead property tax credit by 80 percent. Qualifying seniors with incomes of $10,000 or less will be exempt from property tax, while those who make $17,000 or less will be eligible for a partial reduction. The homestead tax credit is in addition to the 10 percent for all property tax payers.
The bill also eliminates the marriage penalty tax. Currently, many married couples are penalized with a higher tax rate on their personal income tax.
-30-
Monday, February 12, 2007
House approves WSI Reform legislation
The House of Representatives today approved several measures aimed at increasing service and performance at Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI). The measures include a restructuring of the WSI board, increased legislative oversight and increased benefits for injured workers.
“Workers compensation has come a long way since the reforms in the late 1990’s,” said Rep. George Keiser (R – Bismarck). “Injured workers are receiving benefits much faster with reduced incidence of litigation and fraud.”
HB 1460 reforms the WSI Board of Directors by including three new non-voting members who represent the healthcare industry, the information technology industry and the insurance industry. The board will no longer interview nominees or submit names of new candidates for open positions. Instead, the candidates’ names will be submitted to the Governor who will make the final selection. Also, board members will be limited to serving two consecutive terms.
HB 1038 is the work of the interim Legislative Workers’ Compensation Review Committee. The bill expands benefits available for catastrophically injured workers as well as survivors of workers killed on the job. Surviving spouses and dependant children would also be eligible to take part in the WSI Educational and Revolving Loan Fund established during the last legislative session.
HB 1156 removes the sunset provision from the interim Workers Compensation Review Committee which was created during the last legislative session. The committee has brought together stakeholders in the process including legislators to review WSI policy. The committee will also carefully monitor the progress made on improvements suggested during the recent WSI audit.
Workers compensation reform efforts of the past decade, legislative oversight by the WSI Board of Directors and the efforts of the business community have led to a much improved and stable workers compensation system. The policy and operational reforms have resulted in the following:
Increased accountability
Improved service and overall benefit delivery
A more equitable benefit structure
A strong overall financial position
-30-
“Workers compensation has come a long way since the reforms in the late 1990’s,” said Rep. George Keiser (R – Bismarck). “Injured workers are receiving benefits much faster with reduced incidence of litigation and fraud.”
HB 1460 reforms the WSI Board of Directors by including three new non-voting members who represent the healthcare industry, the information technology industry and the insurance industry. The board will no longer interview nominees or submit names of new candidates for open positions. Instead, the candidates’ names will be submitted to the Governor who will make the final selection. Also, board members will be limited to serving two consecutive terms.
HB 1038 is the work of the interim Legislative Workers’ Compensation Review Committee. The bill expands benefits available for catastrophically injured workers as well as survivors of workers killed on the job. Surviving spouses and dependant children would also be eligible to take part in the WSI Educational and Revolving Loan Fund established during the last legislative session.
HB 1156 removes the sunset provision from the interim Workers Compensation Review Committee which was created during the last legislative session. The committee has brought together stakeholders in the process including legislators to review WSI policy. The committee will also carefully monitor the progress made on improvements suggested during the recent WSI audit.
Workers compensation reform efforts of the past decade, legislative oversight by the WSI Board of Directors and the efforts of the business community have led to a much improved and stable workers compensation system. The policy and operational reforms have resulted in the following:
Increased accountability
Improved service and overall benefit delivery
A more equitable benefit structure
A strong overall financial position
-30-
North Dakota First Lady Is New Co-Chair of National Organization to Prevent Childhood Drinking
Bismarck, ND – Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free, the nation’s only initiative guided by the spouses and special appointees of governors and aimed at preventing childhood drinking during the critical ages of 9 to 15, today announced that North Dakota First Lady Mikey Hoeven has accepted the position of Co-Chair of the organization.
Mrs. Hoeven has been a member of Leadership since 2001. One of her first activities was to join forces with the Parent Communication Network (PCN) which provides parents with the latest information on alcohol prevention programs, practices, and policies. The information is disseminated through the North Dakota school system. She also launched “Let’s keep our kids alcohol free,” a statewide advertising campaign, which includes television and radio ads and a statewide poster campaign.
In 2006, Mrs. Hoeven was featured in Underage Drinking Prevention Town Hall meetings statewide. She delivered an address in person at the Minot Town Hall and appeared via video at the other North Dakota Town Halls. She also led a Teach-in on childhood drinking and announced a pilot program targeting ninth-graders, “AlcoholEdu for High School,” in Bismarck. Currently there are approximately 15 schools across the state of North Dakota enrolled in the on-line education program.
“It’s an honor for me to take on the role of co-chair of Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free,” said Hoeven. “Addressing underage alcohol use is a shared responsibility. Prevention must start in the home with parents playing a key role. I have worked with North Dakotans to get involved in stemming this trend and participating in the state's multi-faceted effort to reduce alcohol use by our most vulnerable citizens. With this new role, I’m looking forward to participating in Leadership efforts across the country.”
Hoeven will serve with three other Co-Chairs: Hawaii Lieutenant Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr.; North Carolina First Lady Mary Easley; and Wyoming First Lady Nancy Freudenthal. Together, they will direct the overall activities of Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free.
- ### -
Mrs. Hoeven has been a member of Leadership since 2001. One of her first activities was to join forces with the Parent Communication Network (PCN) which provides parents with the latest information on alcohol prevention programs, practices, and policies. The information is disseminated through the North Dakota school system. She also launched “Let’s keep our kids alcohol free,” a statewide advertising campaign, which includes television and radio ads and a statewide poster campaign.
In 2006, Mrs. Hoeven was featured in Underage Drinking Prevention Town Hall meetings statewide. She delivered an address in person at the Minot Town Hall and appeared via video at the other North Dakota Town Halls. She also led a Teach-in on childhood drinking and announced a pilot program targeting ninth-graders, “AlcoholEdu for High School,” in Bismarck. Currently there are approximately 15 schools across the state of North Dakota enrolled in the on-line education program.
“It’s an honor for me to take on the role of co-chair of Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free,” said Hoeven. “Addressing underage alcohol use is a shared responsibility. Prevention must start in the home with parents playing a key role. I have worked with North Dakotans to get involved in stemming this trend and participating in the state's multi-faceted effort to reduce alcohol use by our most vulnerable citizens. With this new role, I’m looking forward to participating in Leadership efforts across the country.”
Hoeven will serve with three other Co-Chairs: Hawaii Lieutenant Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr.; North Carolina First Lady Mary Easley; and Wyoming First Lady Nancy Freudenthal. Together, they will direct the overall activities of Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free.
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Friday, February 09, 2007
House Republicans Pass Rep. Mark Owens, Bill to Increase the Minimum Wage
ND House approves one minimum wage increase, sinks another
By DALE WETZEL Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press - Friday, February 09, 2007
BISMARCK, N.D.
Representatives began sifting through four proposals to raise North Dakota's minimum wage, approving one to raise the hourly rate to $7.25 over two years. A second proposal to boost the wage to $7.25 in August was rejected.
In the Republican-controlled House, the GOP bill, sponsored by Rep. Mark Owens, R-Grand Forks, prevailed Friday. Whether it takes effect depends on whether Congress decides to raise the minimum wage. Congress is debating proposals to boost the wage to $7.25 hourly.
If Congress acts, North Dakota's minimum wage will be increased to $7.25 an hour in three steps, depending on when any new federal law takes effect.
It would rise to $5.85 an hour when any federal minimum wage takes effect; to $6.15 an hour a year after that; and $7.25 an hour two years after that.
Representatives approved the measure 87-3 on Friday, and sent the legislation to the Senate for additional review. The Senate is considering two minimum-wage bills of its own, including one, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem, R-Bismarck, that is identical to the Owens proposal.
"This bill does affect 4,000 employees in our state. It does increase their wages," said Rep. George Keiser, R-Bismarck. "Without this bill, those wages would not increase."
Separately, the House voted along party lines, 58-33, to reject a separate minimum wage bill that sought to raise North Dakota's minimum wage to $7.25 hourly on Aug. 1, and link subsequent increases to the federal Consumer Price Index.
The measure's sponsor, Rep. Steve Zaiser, D-Fargo, said whether North Dakota raises its minimum wage should not depend on federal action. Under the Republican bill, workers would wait more than two years before seeing a $7.25-an-hour minimum wage, he said.
Zaiser argued the approach of indexing the minimum wage to inflation is preferable to approving large jumps in the minimum wage every several years. The present $5.15 hourly rate has not changed nationally, or in North Dakota, since September 1997.
"This bill, I consider business-friendly," Zaiser said. "Granted, there will be a jump immediately, which I think the lowest-rung workers need. But after that, we're not going to have any big ... increases. The increase is going to be strictly based on the cost-of-living index each year."
___
The Owens bill is HB1454. The Zaiser bill is HB1337.
By DALE WETZEL Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press - Friday, February 09, 2007
BISMARCK, N.D.
Representatives began sifting through four proposals to raise North Dakota's minimum wage, approving one to raise the hourly rate to $7.25 over two years. A second proposal to boost the wage to $7.25 in August was rejected.
In the Republican-controlled House, the GOP bill, sponsored by Rep. Mark Owens, R-Grand Forks, prevailed Friday. Whether it takes effect depends on whether Congress decides to raise the minimum wage. Congress is debating proposals to boost the wage to $7.25 hourly.
If Congress acts, North Dakota's minimum wage will be increased to $7.25 an hour in three steps, depending on when any new federal law takes effect.
It would rise to $5.85 an hour when any federal minimum wage takes effect; to $6.15 an hour a year after that; and $7.25 an hour two years after that.
Representatives approved the measure 87-3 on Friday, and sent the legislation to the Senate for additional review. The Senate is considering two minimum-wage bills of its own, including one, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem, R-Bismarck, that is identical to the Owens proposal.
"This bill does affect 4,000 employees in our state. It does increase their wages," said Rep. George Keiser, R-Bismarck. "Without this bill, those wages would not increase."
Separately, the House voted along party lines, 58-33, to reject a separate minimum wage bill that sought to raise North Dakota's minimum wage to $7.25 hourly on Aug. 1, and link subsequent increases to the federal Consumer Price Index.
The measure's sponsor, Rep. Steve Zaiser, D-Fargo, said whether North Dakota raises its minimum wage should not depend on federal action. Under the Republican bill, workers would wait more than two years before seeing a $7.25-an-hour minimum wage, he said.
Zaiser argued the approach of indexing the minimum wage to inflation is preferable to approving large jumps in the minimum wage every several years. The present $5.15 hourly rate has not changed nationally, or in North Dakota, since September 1997.
"This bill, I consider business-friendly," Zaiser said. "Granted, there will be a jump immediately, which I think the lowest-rung workers need. But after that, we're not going to have any big ... increases. The increase is going to be strictly based on the cost-of-living index each year."
___
The Owens bill is HB1454. The Zaiser bill is HB1337.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
PSC Issues Telephone Tax Refund Reminder
The North Dakota Public Service Commission wants to remind people that they can receive a refund on their 2006 tax return for a telephone tax that is no longer being collected.
The IRS announced in May that the agency would no longer collect the excise tax, which was first implemented in 1898 to help fund the Spanish-American war. The IRS stopped collecting the tax after facing several court challenges.
The IRS will refund the taxes paid on long-distance or bundled service billed to taxpayers for the period after Feb. 28, 2003, and before Aug. 1, 2006. There will be an additional item on the 2006 tax return that allows individuals to receive a refund ranging from $30 to $60 without digging out their old phone bills. People can also itemize their actual tax paid if they believe they paid more than the standard credit over the allowable time period. Businesses will also be able to claim a refund for the tax, but they will have to base their refunds on the actual amount they paid by filling out form 8913.
Commissioner Tony Clark, who holds the telecommunications portfolio for the PSC, said it’s good for taxpayers to know about the refund when they see it on their federal income tax form.
“If people understand what the refund is for ahead of time, it will make tax time a little easier,” Clark said.
Commissioner Susan Wefald said the refund will lighten the tax burden for many people.
“We want to make sure that people are aware that this is a tax refund, not a tax deduction,” Wefald said. “What it means is that many individuals will pay between $30 and $60 less in taxes.”
Commissioner Kevin Cramer said people can call the PSC or log onto www.irs.gov if they have questions about the tax.
“The PSC is happy to help consumers find out how to collect the tax refund,” Cramer said.
--END--
The IRS announced in May that the agency would no longer collect the excise tax, which was first implemented in 1898 to help fund the Spanish-American war. The IRS stopped collecting the tax after facing several court challenges.
The IRS will refund the taxes paid on long-distance or bundled service billed to taxpayers for the period after Feb. 28, 2003, and before Aug. 1, 2006. There will be an additional item on the 2006 tax return that allows individuals to receive a refund ranging from $30 to $60 without digging out their old phone bills. People can also itemize their actual tax paid if they believe they paid more than the standard credit over the allowable time period. Businesses will also be able to claim a refund for the tax, but they will have to base their refunds on the actual amount they paid by filling out form 8913.
Commissioner Tony Clark, who holds the telecommunications portfolio for the PSC, said it’s good for taxpayers to know about the refund when they see it on their federal income tax form.
“If people understand what the refund is for ahead of time, it will make tax time a little easier,” Clark said.
Commissioner Susan Wefald said the refund will lighten the tax burden for many people.
“We want to make sure that people are aware that this is a tax refund, not a tax deduction,” Wefald said. “What it means is that many individuals will pay between $30 and $60 less in taxes.”
Commissioner Kevin Cramer said people can call the PSC or log onto www.irs.gov if they have questions about the tax.
“The PSC is happy to help consumers find out how to collect the tax refund,” Cramer said.
--END--
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Hoeven Annnounces New Wind Farm
HOEVEN, FPL ENERGY ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR OLIVER II WIND ENERGY CENTER
New Facility Will Double Output of Oliver County Wind Farm
BISMARCK, N.D. –Gov. John Hoeven and officials of FPL Energy today announced plans to build the Oliver II Wind Energy Center, a 48 megawatt wind facility near Center, North Dakota. With the company’s adjacent 50.6 megawatt Oliver Wind I Energy Center, which went into service in December, the expanded wind tower complex will generate nearly 100 megawatts of electricity under a long-term power purchase agreements with Minnesota Power.
“FPL Energy is a world leader in wind energy, and we’re proud to partner with them on their latest North Dakota project,” Hoeven said. “Cooperation between the state, FPL Energy and power companies, like Minnesota Power, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, and Otter Tail Power, is producing jobs for North Dakotans and clean, efficient renewable power for thousands of customers in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.”
“This is the latest addition to FPL Energy’s wind program in North Dakota,” said Mike O’Sullivan, the company’s senior vice president for development. “It’s the result of strong partnerships between the public and private sector, in which Gov. Hoeven and his administration are blazing the trail. With this expansion, our total investment in North Dakota will be approximately $300 million.”
Oliver Wind II will consist of 32, 1.5 megawatt turbines set on 80-foot towers. The combined facilities will generate enough electricity to power nearly 30,000 homes. Construction will begin in the spring and is expected to be completed by January 1, 2008.
The Oliver Wind II Energy Center will be FPL’s fifth wind project in North Dakota. The company also has the 49.5 megawatt Wilton Energy Center north of Bismarck, and the 40.5 megawatt and 21 megawatt wind energy centers in Edgeley/Kulm, in southeast North Dakota.
In addition to Minnesota Power, FPL has power purchase agreements with Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Otter Tail Power to produce over 200 megawatts of electricity for consumers in the Dakotas.
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New Facility Will Double Output of Oliver County Wind Farm
BISMARCK, N.D. –Gov. John Hoeven and officials of FPL Energy today announced plans to build the Oliver II Wind Energy Center, a 48 megawatt wind facility near Center, North Dakota. With the company’s adjacent 50.6 megawatt Oliver Wind I Energy Center, which went into service in December, the expanded wind tower complex will generate nearly 100 megawatts of electricity under a long-term power purchase agreements with Minnesota Power.
“FPL Energy is a world leader in wind energy, and we’re proud to partner with them on their latest North Dakota project,” Hoeven said. “Cooperation between the state, FPL Energy and power companies, like Minnesota Power, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, and Otter Tail Power, is producing jobs for North Dakotans and clean, efficient renewable power for thousands of customers in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.”
“This is the latest addition to FPL Energy’s wind program in North Dakota,” said Mike O’Sullivan, the company’s senior vice president for development. “It’s the result of strong partnerships between the public and private sector, in which Gov. Hoeven and his administration are blazing the trail. With this expansion, our total investment in North Dakota will be approximately $300 million.”
Oliver Wind II will consist of 32, 1.5 megawatt turbines set on 80-foot towers. The combined facilities will generate enough electricity to power nearly 30,000 homes. Construction will begin in the spring and is expected to be completed by January 1, 2008.
The Oliver Wind II Energy Center will be FPL’s fifth wind project in North Dakota. The company also has the 49.5 megawatt Wilton Energy Center north of Bismarck, and the 40.5 megawatt and 21 megawatt wind energy centers in Edgeley/Kulm, in southeast North Dakota.
In addition to Minnesota Power, FPL has power purchase agreements with Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Otter Tail Power to produce over 200 megawatts of electricity for consumers in the Dakotas.
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In Case You Missed It .... Forum Editorial: Democrats’ hypocrisy is showing
The Forum
Published Wednesday, February 07, 2007
The Democratic spin machine in the U.S. Senate is working overtime. When Republicans blocked debate this week over the Iraq war, Democrats cried foul. But the procedural vote was, in effect, an attempt by the Republican minority to force the majority to expand the debate, not shut it down.
The distinction is important because when Democrats were in the majority they rightly accused Republicans of shutting Democrats out of many important debates. Democrats charged – and they were right – that important legislation was written behind closed Republican doors without any opportunity for Democrats to participate. Now that the majority shoes are on other feet, Democratic hypocrisy is showing.
Senate Republicans merely want the Iraq war debate to include more than the nonbinding resolution that expresses disagreement with the president’s plan to deploy more troops to the war zone. They want equal treatment for an alternative resolution that says Congress should neither cut nor eliminate funding for troops in the field.
Yet, Democrats, who whined routinely when the previous Republican majority effectively blocked any critical discussion of the president’s war policy, now seem to be conducting themselves in the same manner.
Democrats have been rightly clamoring for a wide-ranging, comprehensive debate over the Iraq war. Now that they are in the majority and have the opportunity to engage in such a vigorous debate, they are playing procedural games in order to block views that don’t conform to their virulent anti-President Bush agenda. Their conduct is petty and hypocritical.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper’s Editorial Board.
Published Wednesday, February 07, 2007
The Democratic spin machine in the U.S. Senate is working overtime. When Republicans blocked debate this week over the Iraq war, Democrats cried foul. But the procedural vote was, in effect, an attempt by the Republican minority to force the majority to expand the debate, not shut it down.
The distinction is important because when Democrats were in the majority they rightly accused Republicans of shutting Democrats out of many important debates. Democrats charged – and they were right – that important legislation was written behind closed Republican doors without any opportunity for Democrats to participate. Now that the majority shoes are on other feet, Democratic hypocrisy is showing.
Senate Republicans merely want the Iraq war debate to include more than the nonbinding resolution that expresses disagreement with the president’s plan to deploy more troops to the war zone. They want equal treatment for an alternative resolution that says Congress should neither cut nor eliminate funding for troops in the field.
Yet, Democrats, who whined routinely when the previous Republican majority effectively blocked any critical discussion of the president’s war policy, now seem to be conducting themselves in the same manner.
Democrats have been rightly clamoring for a wide-ranging, comprehensive debate over the Iraq war. Now that they are in the majority and have the opportunity to engage in such a vigorous debate, they are playing procedural games in order to block views that don’t conform to their virulent anti-President Bush agenda. Their conduct is petty and hypocritical.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper’s Editorial Board.
John Edwards - Man of the People?
I thought you might find this news story interesting as John Edwards kicks off his 2008 Presidential Campaign
Edwards Takes Heat Over Lavish Estate
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
By MIKE BAKER
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Two homes, two images, one candidate.
Democrat John Edwards, who has made an anti-poverty message the theme of his 2008 presidential campaign, is taking heat for the lavish home he has constructed in Orange County, N.C.
In December, Edwards chose the modest backyard of a New Orleans woman who had lost her home to Hurricane Katrina as the image that best underscored his campaign theme.
Now voters are seeing another, sharply contrasting image of Edwards: his own home.
Sitting on 102 secluded acres _ surrounded by trees and defended by no-trespassing signs _ the 28,000-square-foot estate that Edwards and his family call home has presidential privacy.
A main home has five bedrooms and six-and-a-half baths. It's connected by a covered walkway to a bright red addition known as 'The Barn,' that includes its own living facilities along with a handball court, an indoor pool and an indoor basketball court with a stage at one end. Nearby, the family has cleared space for a soccer field.
With a current building value of $4.3 million, the unfinished Edwards estate is already about $1 million more expensive than any other house in the county, according to tax records. It sits on land worth about $1.1 million.
Edwards first purchased the land in 2004, during his failed run as vice president. He recently sold his mansion in Washington's tony Georgetown neighborhood for $5.2 million.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Edwards Takes Heat Over Lavish Estate
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
By MIKE BAKER
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Two homes, two images, one candidate.
Democrat John Edwards, who has made an anti-poverty message the theme of his 2008 presidential campaign, is taking heat for the lavish home he has constructed in Orange County, N.C.
In December, Edwards chose the modest backyard of a New Orleans woman who had lost her home to Hurricane Katrina as the image that best underscored his campaign theme.
Now voters are seeing another, sharply contrasting image of Edwards: his own home.
Sitting on 102 secluded acres _ surrounded by trees and defended by no-trespassing signs _ the 28,000-square-foot estate that Edwards and his family call home has presidential privacy.
A main home has five bedrooms and six-and-a-half baths. It's connected by a covered walkway to a bright red addition known as 'The Barn,' that includes its own living facilities along with a handball court, an indoor pool and an indoor basketball court with a stage at one end. Nearby, the family has cleared space for a soccer field.
With a current building value of $4.3 million, the unfinished Edwards estate is already about $1 million more expensive than any other house in the county, according to tax records. It sits on land worth about $1.1 million.
Edwards first purchased the land in 2004, during his failed run as vice president. He recently sold his mansion in Washington's tony Georgetown neighborhood for $5.2 million.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Governor Hoeven Signs Into Law State Employee Pay Raise
HOEVEN JOINED BY LEGISLATORS TO SIGN STATE EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION BILL
BISMARCK, N.D. –Gov. John Hoeven today was joined by legislators and public employees association representatives as he signed Senate Bill 2189, which provides an 8 percent salary increase, 4 percent annually over the next two years, and $10 million in equity funding for state employees. The bill provides for a minimum increase of $75 a month for each state employee, and continues to provide fully paid healthcare coverage for state workers.
The Governor included the increase in his executive budget, which he released on December 6.
Hoeven was joined for the signing by House Majority Leader Rick Berg, Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem, and bill sponsors Sen. Dave Nething, Sen. Dick Dever, Sen. Larry Robinson, Rep. Lois Delmore, Rep. Todd Porter, and Rep. Dave Weiler. Also joining Hoeven and the legislators were members of the North Dakota Public Employees Association and the Independent North Dakota State Employees Association.
“Our state employees are dedicated workers, and they are committed to doing a good job for the citizens of North Dakota,” Hoeven said. “We appreciate the work they do, and I want to thank legislators for supporting this compensation package.”
“All of us as North Dakotans rely on our state employees every day for the quality services we need,” said Sen. Dave Nething. “This year, we’ve welcomed an opportunity to show them that they’re appreciated early in the legislative session. It’s a tangible way of saying, thank you, for all you do every day, year in and year out.”
“In the past, when budgets were tight, we asked state employees to help bear some of the burden with smaller increases and less support for equity,” said Rep. Dave Weiler. “Now that we have the resources to do so, we want to step up with a meaningful and equitable compensation plan.”
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BISMARCK, N.D. –Gov. John Hoeven today was joined by legislators and public employees association representatives as he signed Senate Bill 2189, which provides an 8 percent salary increase, 4 percent annually over the next two years, and $10 million in equity funding for state employees. The bill provides for a minimum increase of $75 a month for each state employee, and continues to provide fully paid healthcare coverage for state workers.
The Governor included the increase in his executive budget, which he released on December 6.
Hoeven was joined for the signing by House Majority Leader Rick Berg, Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem, and bill sponsors Sen. Dave Nething, Sen. Dick Dever, Sen. Larry Robinson, Rep. Lois Delmore, Rep. Todd Porter, and Rep. Dave Weiler. Also joining Hoeven and the legislators were members of the North Dakota Public Employees Association and the Independent North Dakota State Employees Association.
“Our state employees are dedicated workers, and they are committed to doing a good job for the citizens of North Dakota,” Hoeven said. “We appreciate the work they do, and I want to thank legislators for supporting this compensation package.”
“All of us as North Dakotans rely on our state employees every day for the quality services we need,” said Sen. Dave Nething. “This year, we’ve welcomed an opportunity to show them that they’re appreciated early in the legislative session. It’s a tangible way of saying, thank you, for all you do every day, year in and year out.”
“In the past, when budgets were tight, we asked state employees to help bear some of the burden with smaller increases and less support for equity,” said Rep. Dave Weiler. “Now that we have the resources to do so, we want to step up with a meaningful and equitable compensation plan.”
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Sen. John Andrist: ‘Green energy’ does not need $20 million
Fargo Forum
Published Wednesday, February 07, 2007
The Forum editorial in Tuesday’s (Feb. 6) Forum uncharitably misinterprets the motives of those of us who think it would be a mistake to spend $20 million dollars to subsidize “green energy” projects at this time.
Contrary to your portrayal, all of us applaud green energy, and we are pleased at the speed with which North Dakota is moving forward with development of ethanol, biodiesel and wind energy. The same day the editorial appeared, announcement was made that Florida Power and Light is moving forward on its fifth wind project and, in partnership with Otter Tail Power, will soon be producing 200 megawatts of electricity.
To throw the industry a crutch at the time it is creating competitive market niches is an unnecessary waste of taxpayer money and may even inhibit green energy’s ability to become a competitive force in the economy of our state.
Some business subsidies seem appropriate to most of us. Finding a way to unlock our enormous potential through creation of pipeline and transmission line enhancements are examples. This would simultaneously enhance both fossil and green energy development."
Published Wednesday, February 07, 2007
The Forum editorial in Tuesday’s (Feb. 6) Forum uncharitably misinterprets the motives of those of us who think it would be a mistake to spend $20 million dollars to subsidize “green energy” projects at this time.
Contrary to your portrayal, all of us applaud green energy, and we are pleased at the speed with which North Dakota is moving forward with development of ethanol, biodiesel and wind energy. The same day the editorial appeared, announcement was made that Florida Power and Light is moving forward on its fifth wind project and, in partnership with Otter Tail Power, will soon be producing 200 megawatts of electricity.
To throw the industry a crutch at the time it is creating competitive market niches is an unnecessary waste of taxpayer money and may even inhibit green energy’s ability to become a competitive force in the economy of our state.
Some business subsidies seem appropriate to most of us. Finding a way to unlock our enormous potential through creation of pipeline and transmission line enhancements are examples. This would simultaneously enhance both fossil and green energy development."
Commissioner Fong: Tax Department Extends Filing Deadline to April 17
BISMARCK, N.D. - Tax Commissioner Cory Fong announced today that the North Dakota Tax Department will follow the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) extended due date of April 17 for filing income tax returns or payments that are traditionally required by April 15. The IRS has announced that taxpayers across the nation will have until April 17, 2007, to file 2006 federal returns, extensions, and payments that would have been due April 16, 2007.
"North Dakota will match the April 17 extended filing date and consider any returns and payments that are normally due on April 15 as timely if postmarked by April 17," said Fong. "For North Dakota, this includes individual taxpayers as well as corporations and financial institutions that would have had an April 15 deadline."
Whenever the April 15 deadline is on a Saturday or Sunday, taxpayers have until the next business day to send in their payment or return and still meet the deadline. This year taxpayers will have extra time to file and pay because April 15 falls on a Sunday and the following day, Monday, April 16, is Emancipation Day, a legal holiday in the District of Columbia. For 2007, the April 16 holiday in D.C. affects the entire nation and extends the deadline to April 17.
"Because April 16 is not a holiday in the State of North Dakota, the Tax Department will be open and ready to help taxpayers with their questions," said Fong. "In 2008 the deadline will return to the normal April 15 date."
The extended due date applies to any income tax return filing or payment usually due by April 15. It also includes applying for an extension as well as making payments of estimated tax due. The April 17, 2007 due date will apply to returns and payments whether submitted electronically (e file) or by mail.
"Even though the date is extended this year, April 17 will be here quickly. Taxpayers should get started early preparing their returns so that they have plenty of time to double-check their entries, including social security and bank routing information," said Fong. "By double-checking the information taxpayers make sure that the information is correct, and prevent delays in receiving their refund."
Taxpayers can contact the Tax Department if they have questions or need assistance. The Tax Department provides many forms and other tax information, including a Frequently Asked Questions section, on their web site at www.nd.gov/tax.
Taxpayers may contact the department during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday:
Bismarck-Mandan area: 701.328.3450
Toll-Free: 800.638.2901
E-mail: individualtax@nd.gov
In person at the State Capitol, 16th Floor, 600 E Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck.
"North Dakota will match the April 17 extended filing date and consider any returns and payments that are normally due on April 15 as timely if postmarked by April 17," said Fong. "For North Dakota, this includes individual taxpayers as well as corporations and financial institutions that would have had an April 15 deadline."
Whenever the April 15 deadline is on a Saturday or Sunday, taxpayers have until the next business day to send in their payment or return and still meet the deadline. This year taxpayers will have extra time to file and pay because April 15 falls on a Sunday and the following day, Monday, April 16, is Emancipation Day, a legal holiday in the District of Columbia. For 2007, the April 16 holiday in D.C. affects the entire nation and extends the deadline to April 17.
"Because April 16 is not a holiday in the State of North Dakota, the Tax Department will be open and ready to help taxpayers with their questions," said Fong. "In 2008 the deadline will return to the normal April 15 date."
The extended due date applies to any income tax return filing or payment usually due by April 15. It also includes applying for an extension as well as making payments of estimated tax due. The April 17, 2007 due date will apply to returns and payments whether submitted electronically (e file) or by mail.
"Even though the date is extended this year, April 17 will be here quickly. Taxpayers should get started early preparing their returns so that they have plenty of time to double-check their entries, including social security and bank routing information," said Fong. "By double-checking the information taxpayers make sure that the information is correct, and prevent delays in receiving their refund."
Taxpayers can contact the Tax Department if they have questions or need assistance. The Tax Department provides many forms and other tax information, including a Frequently Asked Questions section, on their web site at www.nd.gov/tax.
Taxpayers may contact the department during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday:
Bismarck-Mandan area: 701.328.3450
Toll-Free: 800.638.2901
E-mail: individualtax@nd.gov
In person at the State Capitol, 16th Floor, 600 E Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck.
"Pelosi One" remains Grounded
It is business as usual in Washington DC. It appears that Speaker Pelosi is not content with having the military provide her with regular transport back to her Congressional District in San Francisco. She apparently wants the Air Force to provide her with a large passenger jet for her and her staff to use for travel.
Read the full story
"Pelosi's push for jet remains up in air
By Rowan Scarborough and Charles Hurt
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
February 7, 2007
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has requested access to a large Air Force passenger jet that can make nonstop flights to her home district of San Francisco, such as this Boeing C-32. ( )
The Bush administration has agreed to provide House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with regular access to an Air Force passenger jet, but the two sides are negotiating whether she will get the big aircraft she wants and who she may take as passengers, according to congressional and administration sources.
A congressional source said that Rep. John P. Murtha, chairman of House Appropriations subcommittee on defense, which controls the Pentagon's spending, has telephoned administration officials to urge them to give the speaker what she wants.
The congressional source said Pentagon officials complained that Mr. Murtha, Pennsylvania Democrat, is accusing them of sexism for not immediately heeding her request.
Megan E. Grote, Mr. Murtha's press secretary, said, 'Mr. Murtha absolutely never said anything about being 'sexist.' We have no further comment.'
Meanwhile, Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam of Florida said Mrs. Pelosi's request represents 'an arrogance of office that just defies common sense' and called it 'a major deviation from the previous speaker.'
Minority Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri called it a 'flying Lincoln Bedroom,' and Rep. Patrick T. McHenry, North Carolina Republican, labeled the speaker's plane 'Pelosi One.' "
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Read the full story
"Pelosi's push for jet remains up in air
By Rowan Scarborough and Charles Hurt
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
February 7, 2007
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has requested access to a large Air Force passenger jet that can make nonstop flights to her home district of San Francisco, such as this Boeing C-32. ( )
The Bush administration has agreed to provide House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with regular access to an Air Force passenger jet, but the two sides are negotiating whether she will get the big aircraft she wants and who she may take as passengers, according to congressional and administration sources.
A congressional source said that Rep. John P. Murtha, chairman of House Appropriations subcommittee on defense, which controls the Pentagon's spending, has telephoned administration officials to urge them to give the speaker what she wants.
The congressional source said Pentagon officials complained that Mr. Murtha, Pennsylvania Democrat, is accusing them of sexism for not immediately heeding her request.
Megan E. Grote, Mr. Murtha's press secretary, said, 'Mr. Murtha absolutely never said anything about being 'sexist.' We have no further comment.'
Meanwhile, Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam of Florida said Mrs. Pelosi's request represents 'an arrogance of office that just defies common sense' and called it 'a major deviation from the previous speaker.'
Minority Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri called it a 'flying Lincoln Bedroom,' and Rep. Patrick T. McHenry, North Carolina Republican, labeled the speaker's plane 'Pelosi One.' "
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Happy Birthday!!
Today is President Ronald Reagan's Birthday. Although it is has been 2 1/2 years since his passing, President Reagan's actions and policies influence us even today.
I hope you will take the time to remember President Reagan and his impact upon our lives and our nation.
I will always remember his speech in West Berlin asking Mr. Gorbachev to "Tear Down this Wall." President Reagan's optimism and commitment to freedom has given millions of people the opportunity to wake up each morning free from communism and oppression.
If you wish to read this speech please click here.
I hope you will take the time to remember President Reagan and his impact upon our lives and our nation.
I will always remember his speech in West Berlin asking Mr. Gorbachev to "Tear Down this Wall." President Reagan's optimism and commitment to freedom has given millions of people the opportunity to wake up each morning free from communism and oppression.
If you wish to read this speech please click here.
REPUBLICAN HOUSE VOTES TO DOUBLE STATE RAINY DAY FUND
Bismarck – N.D. The House of Representatives today passed HB 1429 which will double the state budget stabilization fund to $200 million. The budget stabilization fund is a special fund in the state treasury that can only be tapped if state revenues are running two and one-half percent below forecasts from the most recently adjourned legislative session.
“The budget stabilization fund is an investment in the future of our state,” said Rep. Ken Svedjan (R – Grand Forks). “The money that we put in the fund today will help to ensure that critical services our state provides will not be drastically cut in the middle of a biennium if we experience a shortfall.”
Any surplus in state revenues over $65 million at the end of a biennium must be transferred to the budget stabilization fund. The fund is currently capped at five percent of the state general fund balance which is approximately $95 million. HB 1429 increases the cap to ten percent of the general fund effective July 1, 2009.
House Majority Leader Rick Berg said, “The size of the surplus in state revenues allows us to adequately fund our priorities, give the people back some of their hard-earned money and prepare for a possible downswing in our economy.”
The budget stabilization fund, in theory, would provide the state’s agencies and institutions with enough money to operate for one month in a worst case scenario. “The fund, which has existed since 1987, wasn’t actually funded until the 2005 session when Republican leadership decided to restore the fund’s credibility by setting aside $100 million for a ‘rainy day,’” Berg said.
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“The budget stabilization fund is an investment in the future of our state,” said Rep. Ken Svedjan (R – Grand Forks). “The money that we put in the fund today will help to ensure that critical services our state provides will not be drastically cut in the middle of a biennium if we experience a shortfall.”
Any surplus in state revenues over $65 million at the end of a biennium must be transferred to the budget stabilization fund. The fund is currently capped at five percent of the state general fund balance which is approximately $95 million. HB 1429 increases the cap to ten percent of the general fund effective July 1, 2009.
House Majority Leader Rick Berg said, “The size of the surplus in state revenues allows us to adequately fund our priorities, give the people back some of their hard-earned money and prepare for a possible downswing in our economy.”
The budget stabilization fund, in theory, would provide the state’s agencies and institutions with enough money to operate for one month in a worst case scenario. “The fund, which has existed since 1987, wasn’t actually funded until the 2005 session when Republican leadership decided to restore the fund’s credibility by setting aside $100 million for a ‘rainy day,’” Berg said.
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HOUSE PASSES STATE EMPLOYEE PAY BILL
The North Dakota House of Representatives today unanimously passed a pay package for state employees which includes a four percent raise in each of the next two years. The state employee pay bill also includes a $10 million equity pool which will be used to further increase salaries for state employees in positions where pay is behind the market rate for their position.“There are state employees on the job 24 hours a day 7 days a week serving the people of North Dakota,” said
Rep. Todd Porter (R – Mandan). “We want to let all of our state employees know how much we appreciate their hard work by putting them first this session.”SB 2189 also fully funded state employee health insurance premiums for the biennium. Projected premiums for state employee health insurance have risen 18.8 percent over levels in the current biennium.
Rep. Dave Weiler (R – Bismarck) said, “When budgets are tight, our state employees often have to wait until the end of the session to find out what their raises may be, or if they will continue to receive fully funded health insurance. This time our employees know right-off-the-bat that they are going to share in the success that our state is seeing as a whole.”
Sponsors of the state employee pay bill include Reps. Weiler, Porter and Lois Delmore (D – Grand Forks) and Sens. Dave Nething (R – Jamestown), Dick Dever (R – Bismarck) and Larry Robinson (D – Valley City). The bill is based on pay and equity levels that Gov. Hoeven included in his executive budget. The will now be sent to the Governor’s desk for his signature.-30-
Rep. Todd Porter (R – Mandan). “We want to let all of our state employees know how much we appreciate their hard work by putting them first this session.”SB 2189 also fully funded state employee health insurance premiums for the biennium. Projected premiums for state employee health insurance have risen 18.8 percent over levels in the current biennium.
Rep. Dave Weiler (R – Bismarck) said, “When budgets are tight, our state employees often have to wait until the end of the session to find out what their raises may be, or if they will continue to receive fully funded health insurance. This time our employees know right-off-the-bat that they are going to share in the success that our state is seeing as a whole.”
Sponsors of the state employee pay bill include Reps. Weiler, Porter and Lois Delmore (D – Grand Forks) and Sens. Dave Nething (R – Jamestown), Dick Dever (R – Bismarck) and Larry Robinson (D – Valley City). The bill is based on pay and equity levels that Gov. Hoeven included in his executive budget. The will now be sent to the Governor’s desk for his signature.-30-
Friday, February 02, 2007
HOUSE REPUBLICANS SUPPORT COMPREHENSIVE TAX RELIEF
Includes Property Tax Relief, Elimination of Marriage Penalty, Homestead Credits
Bismarck, N.D. – The House Finance and Taxation Committee has approved a comprehensive tax relief package that includes property tax reductions, elimination of the marriage penalty tax and increased homestead tax credits. HB 1051 received a 8 to 5 do pass recommendation out of the Finance and Taxation committee and will now go to the Appropriations committee before receiving a vote in front of the full House of Representatives.
“The hard work, entrepreneurship and ingenuity of the citizens of North Dakota have put us in a position to give something back to the people,” said Rep. Wes Belter (R – Leonard) chairman of the Finance and Taxation Committee. “This bill is the culmination of ideas brought forth by members of the House and Senate as well as Governor Hoeven.”
The bill provides for a 10 percent reduction in for residential property tax payers and 5 percent for agricultural and commercial property. The bill also ensures that taxpayers have more control over property tax rates by requiring a vote if the local taxing authority wishes to raise spending by more than 3.5 percent. The bill allows exemptions to this provision for growth or annexation as well as emergencies such as a natural disaster.
Examples of average annual saving for various properties under the plan would be as follows:
House valued at $100,000 - $180
House valued at $200,000 - $361
Farm or ranch - $183 (average per section)
Commercial property valued at $150,000 - $150
Commercial property valued at $300,000 - $300
The bill further reduces the property taxes for low income seniors by increasing funding for the homestead property tax credit by 80 percent. Qualifying seniors making up to $10,000 will pay no property taxes, and those making up to $17,000 will be eligible for a partial reduction of their property tax liability in addition to the ten percent reduction that all resident property tax payers will receive.
The bill also includes a provision to eliminate the marriage penalty tax. Currently, many married couples are penalized with a higher tax rate on their personal income tax.
“As legislators it is always important to remember that this money belongs to the people of North Dakota,” said House Majority Leader Rick Berg (R – Fargo). “Returning the peoples money will not only provide much needed relief, it will also stimulate our economy.”
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Bismarck, N.D. – The House Finance and Taxation Committee has approved a comprehensive tax relief package that includes property tax reductions, elimination of the marriage penalty tax and increased homestead tax credits. HB 1051 received a 8 to 5 do pass recommendation out of the Finance and Taxation committee and will now go to the Appropriations committee before receiving a vote in front of the full House of Representatives.
“The hard work, entrepreneurship and ingenuity of the citizens of North Dakota have put us in a position to give something back to the people,” said Rep. Wes Belter (R – Leonard) chairman of the Finance and Taxation Committee. “This bill is the culmination of ideas brought forth by members of the House and Senate as well as Governor Hoeven.”
The bill provides for a 10 percent reduction in for residential property tax payers and 5 percent for agricultural and commercial property. The bill also ensures that taxpayers have more control over property tax rates by requiring a vote if the local taxing authority wishes to raise spending by more than 3.5 percent. The bill allows exemptions to this provision for growth or annexation as well as emergencies such as a natural disaster.
Examples of average annual saving for various properties under the plan would be as follows:
House valued at $100,000 - $180
House valued at $200,000 - $361
Farm or ranch - $183 (average per section)
Commercial property valued at $150,000 - $150
Commercial property valued at $300,000 - $300
The bill further reduces the property taxes for low income seniors by increasing funding for the homestead property tax credit by 80 percent. Qualifying seniors making up to $10,000 will pay no property taxes, and those making up to $17,000 will be eligible for a partial reduction of their property tax liability in addition to the ten percent reduction that all resident property tax payers will receive.
The bill also includes a provision to eliminate the marriage penalty tax. Currently, many married couples are penalized with a higher tax rate on their personal income tax.
“As legislators it is always important to remember that this money belongs to the people of North Dakota,” said House Majority Leader Rick Berg (R – Fargo). “Returning the peoples money will not only provide much needed relief, it will also stimulate our economy.”
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Rep. Lawrence R. Klemin: Driving cell phone bill applies to all
Rep. Lawrence R. Klemin letter:
Driving cell phone bill applies to all
Fargo Forum Friday, February 02, 2007
I am the prime sponsor of House Bill 1196, relating to the use of cell phones while driving. As originally written, the bill would have applied only to minors while operating a motor vehicle while the vehicle was in motion.
A recent article by The Associated Press stating that I had proposed an amendment in the House Transportation Committee that would extend the ban to all drivers regardless of age neglected to mention that the amendment was restricted to “hand-held” cell phones and other “hand-held” wireless communication devices. Under the amendment, the ban would not apply to “hands-free” voice-activated cell phones or similar devices. The bill does not prevent a driver from using a hand-held cell phone in a vehicle as long as the vehicle is not in motion.
A number of recent studies have concluded that the use of cell phones while driving has become an increasing safety concern as drivers are more focused on their conversations or other use of the cell phone than on the traffic. Technology now makes it possible not only to talk on a cell phone but also to text message, send and receive e-mails, watch videos and surf the Internet.
Nationwide statistics are showing thousands of accidents and fatalities due to this distraction, not only for the drivers using the cell phones but also for others on the road. The public has a right to expect that their safety will be protected on the road.
Rep. Lawrence R. Klemin
R.-Bismarck
Driving cell phone bill applies to all
Fargo Forum Friday, February 02, 2007
I am the prime sponsor of House Bill 1196, relating to the use of cell phones while driving. As originally written, the bill would have applied only to minors while operating a motor vehicle while the vehicle was in motion.
A recent article by The Associated Press stating that I had proposed an amendment in the House Transportation Committee that would extend the ban to all drivers regardless of age neglected to mention that the amendment was restricted to “hand-held” cell phones and other “hand-held” wireless communication devices. Under the amendment, the ban would not apply to “hands-free” voice-activated cell phones or similar devices. The bill does not prevent a driver from using a hand-held cell phone in a vehicle as long as the vehicle is not in motion.
A number of recent studies have concluded that the use of cell phones while driving has become an increasing safety concern as drivers are more focused on their conversations or other use of the cell phone than on the traffic. Technology now makes it possible not only to talk on a cell phone but also to text message, send and receive e-mails, watch videos and surf the Internet.
Nationwide statistics are showing thousands of accidents and fatalities due to this distraction, not only for the drivers using the cell phones but also for others on the road. The public has a right to expect that their safety will be protected on the road.
Rep. Lawrence R. Klemin
R.-Bismarck
Thursday, February 01, 2007
"Air Pelosi" - Will America Get to Keep the Frequent Flyer Miles?
Speaker pursues military flights
By Rowan Scarborough
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
February 1, 2007
The office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pressing the Bush administration for routine access to military aircraft for domestic flights, such as trips back to her San Francisco district, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The sources, who include those in Congress and in the administration, said the Democrat is seeking regular military flights not only for herself and her staff, but also for relatives and for other members of the California delegation. A knowledgeable source called the request "carte blanche for an aircraft any time."
"They are pressing the point of her succession and that the [Department of Defense] needs to play ball with the speaker's needs," one source said. The request originally went to the Pentagon, which then asked the White House to weigh in.
Mrs. Pelosi's request is not new for a speaker, who is second-in-line in presidential succession. A defense source said the speaker's regular access to a military plane began after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Rep. J. Dennis Hastert, Illinois Republican, who was speaker at the time, started using U.S. Air Force planes for domestic travel to and from his district for security reasons. A former Hastert aide said the congressman did not use military planes for political trips or regularly transport his family.
The defense source said Mr. Hastert requested a plane with good communications so he could conduct legislative business. The military flights increased to the point the speaker used a military plane for many, if not all, flights to his Illinois district, the former aide said. Sources said Mrs. Pelosi's request goes beyond what Mr. Hastert received. The speaker's legal counsel is spearheading the talks.
Click here to read the rest of this story
By Rowan Scarborough
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
February 1, 2007
The office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pressing the Bush administration for routine access to military aircraft for domestic flights, such as trips back to her San Francisco district, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The sources, who include those in Congress and in the administration, said the Democrat is seeking regular military flights not only for herself and her staff, but also for relatives and for other members of the California delegation. A knowledgeable source called the request "carte blanche for an aircraft any time."
"They are pressing the point of her succession and that the [Department of Defense] needs to play ball with the speaker's needs," one source said. The request originally went to the Pentagon, which then asked the White House to weigh in.
Mrs. Pelosi's request is not new for a speaker, who is second-in-line in presidential succession. A defense source said the speaker's regular access to a military plane began after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Rep. J. Dennis Hastert, Illinois Republican, who was speaker at the time, started using U.S. Air Force planes for domestic travel to and from his district for security reasons. A former Hastert aide said the congressman did not use military planes for political trips or regularly transport his family.
The defense source said Mr. Hastert requested a plane with good communications so he could conduct legislative business. The military flights increased to the point the speaker used a military plane for many, if not all, flights to his Illinois district, the former aide said. Sources said Mrs. Pelosi's request goes beyond what Mr. Hastert received. The speaker's legal counsel is spearheading the talks.
Click here to read the rest of this story
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