Governor's Budget Address - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Governor's Budget Address

People across the country are wondering how North Dakota does it...

The state's surplus and strong economy are the envy of the nation.

Today, Governor Jack Dalrymple gives his vision for the next two years.

It includes spending like never before, $12.8 billion.

Donnell Preskey has a look at some of Dalrymple's budget recommendations.

Governor Jack Dalrymple says it's a special time in our state, with incredible growth and expansion...

Dalrymple says, "we've worked hard for our prosperity and now it's time to put our prosperity to work for us."

North Dakotan's should expect to see a share of the wealth in the form of tax cuts.

The Governor wants to raise the state's share of school funding, a move will cut homeowners property tax bill by 20 percent.

"This level of property tax relief is sustainable far into the future and is what the people of ND want," says Dalrymple.

He also proposes income and corporate tax rate cuts.

Dalrymple says, "It's important that the hard-working men and women of ND see a substantial share of our economic gains reflected in their tax bills."

Dalrymple proposes a new formula allowing oil counties to keep a larger percentage of oil revenues.

He also recommends spending $2.7 Billion on improving roads.

Another $1 Billion to go toward extraordinary highway projects.

Lawmakers responded to Dalrymple's plan to make Highway 85 between Williston and Watford City four lanes.

The project will increase safety on one of the busiest highways.

He also proposes adding 153 new law enforcement positions.

"These positions are necessary for the public's safety," says Dalrymple.

Looking at various state funds, the state is expected to have a reserve of $5 Billion by 2015.

With that great wealth, it's no surprise Dalrymple's budget does not borrow, bond or impose no new taxes.

"I look forward to working with all of you and the people of our state to capitalize on our success and create our future together," says Dalrymple.

Here's a highlight of several other spending recommendations Dalrymple is proposing...

$180 million in flood repair and protection funding for the Red River, Devils Lake, Minot areas to name a few.

$550 million to K-12 Education.

$89 million to Higher Education where the Governor is also proposing a new funding formula to state colleges and universities.

On top of that Dalrymple is recommending $160 million for campus projects at eight colleges.

His budget also includes funding 171 additional state employees.

North Dakota Democrats say Governor Jack Dalrymple left some pressing needs out of his budget.

Representative Corey Mock says Dalrymple's plan doesn't bring more people into the Medicaid health insurance program.

He says the state should expand coverage.

Senate Minority leader, Mac Schneider, says the Governor's tax relief plan doesn't go far enough...

Democratic Senator Mac Schneider of Grand Forks says, "I haven't heard anyone in my district tell me that corporations like Walmart deserve larger property tax cut. I have heard a lot of people say their rent has gone up or the property taxes have gone up to a point they can't pay them. So we would like to see that relief channeled into deeper property tax relief and that includes relief for renters."

Lawmakers will go to work on Dalrymple's budget and their own ideas January 8th.