News Releases for February 2007
February 15, 2007
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Hoeven: Legislature Making Progress At Crossover
Important Bills On-Track for the Citizens of North Dakota
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today said that there's more to do, but legislators are making progress on important initiatives at crossover, which marks the midpoint in the legislative session.
According to Hoeven: "We're working with legislators to get good things done for the people of North Dakota. K-12 Education Funding and Property Tax Relief are two good examples."
"Building on the recommendations of the Governor's Commission on Education Improvement and our budget recommendation, the Senate passed an $80 million package which would produce the greatest reform in K-12 Education Funding in more than a generation. Also, in the area of Property Tax Relief, two bills have passed, one in the House and one in the Senate. We're working with these bills, and with lawmakers, to develop the best plan possible for the citizens of North Dakota."
"In addition to K-12 Education Funding and Property Tax Relief, the House of Representatives and the Senate are moving forward on a range of other legislation we've advanced that will continue to create jobs and help our state's economy grow. That growing economy enables us to take care of people, especially our seniors, and create a higher standard of living and better quality of life for all North Dakotans."
"As we enter the second half of the session, we will stay focused on working with legislators to achieve the priorities that are important to the people of North Dakota."
"The Legislature has already passed, and we have signed, several important priority bills, including a Military Buffer Zone bill that protects families of our fallen military heroes from protesters at their funerals and memorial ceremonies, and a Public Employee Salary Increase for the next biennium."
Additional priorities we've advanced in our State of the State and Budget Address and will continue to promote include:
Economic Development: Creating jobs and opportunities is our top priority. We're working to build programs like Biofuels PACE, investment tax credits and Centers of Excellence that will continue to transform and expand North Dakota's economy. Also, we look forward to signing the legislation that will increase the minimum wage.
Renewable Energy: We're working to advance a comprehensive $43.5 million Renewable Energy Plan, 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, as well as doubling the state's energy output from all sources by the year 2025.
Law Enforcement: Building on our position of leadership as the safest state in the country, we advanced a plan to mandate minimum sentences for violent sexual offenders and background checks for personnel in sensitive positions.
Seniors and Those in Need: We will continue to promote expansion of medical coverage and quality services for our seniors, including support for the continuum of care, and enhanced Medicaid funding for low income individuals, persons with disabilities and the elderly.
Higher Education: We've advanced a strong plan for Higher Education to help make higher education more affordable by holding down tuition increases, expanding the availability of low interest loans, and creating income tax deductions for higher education savings accounts.
Reserve Fund: Our budget keeps expenditures in line with revenues, and we've proposed a plan to double the Budget Stabilization Fund in order to secure the fiscal health of North Dakota.
"We put forward a strong legislative agenda," Hoeven said. "We will continue to work with legislators from both houses to craft the best possible package for the people of North Dakota and the future of our state."
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