A Look Ahead
Trying to predict what will happen in 2023, especially given the last three years, is a fool’s game. But as we sit here in the depths of winter here are a few observations: The North Dakota Legislature has new leadership in several key positions and an exciting crop of new, young legislators ready to make their mark. Look for several important initiatives out of Bismarck, more on this later.
But first, a look around. Gridlock is back in Washington, D.C., so 2023 is already looking better. Oh, the money will still be created out of thin air and passed along to the states, favored corporations, and Ukraine. The debt, which will never be paid down, will continue to grow and the Biden administration will gladly step in to pass and implement ‘laws’ while Congress bickers. Reliable, traditional energy will continue to be a target, along with our farmers and ranchers. On second thought, 2023 is starting to look a lot like previous years.
In Minnesota, voters have handed the keys to Democrats and we pray for out-staters who will now feel the power of the fully operational DFL battle station. Let me be the first to congratulate Minnesota on remaining near the top of the list for outbound one-way U-Hauls.
Anyone looking to relocate should consider North Dakota. There are a lot of jobs available, including high-paying jobs in energy and technology. North Dakota has much to offer and several important bills before the Legislature will make the state even more attractive to workers and young families.
Rep. Craig Headland, chair of the House Finance and Taxation Committee, is sponsoring a bill to give our state the lowest flat tax in the nation. About 60% will no longer owe a state income tax and the rest will see a significant reduction in their state tax bill. And many, including Gov. Burgum, want the new law to begin the process of eliminating state income tax completely.
Other initiatives will be considered, like licensure reform to reduce red tape for workers and businesses. Education reform to ensure public education focuses on reading, writing and arithmetic. Education freedom to allow low and middle income parents to choose the education that best meets their needs.
When it comes to quality of life, economic opportunities, safety, and security are at the top of the list and we come out pretty good in those categories, but we can do better. A major issue that must be addressed in Bismarck is electric grid stability. It can get a little chilly up here, in case you haven’t noticed. And the last thing we should face in this state is a power outage.
Coal, oil, natural gas, hydro: we have an abundance of cheap and reliable energy. Acknowledging that we are part of the MISO and SPP regional transmission organizations the people of North Dakota should never face power outages caused by poor policy decisions in other states.
We are starting from a pretty good place. And we have the resources to do better.
Originally published in the Fargo Forum
