State Of The State Address - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Can the "State" of North Dakota, get much better?

Governor Dalrymple says yes.

North Dakota has more people than ever before in state history.

We continuously get top rankings from business organizations.

So where does the state in the spotlight of an economic boom go from here?

Governor Jack Dalrymple kicked off the 63rd legislative session today with his State of the State Address.

<<The State of North Dakota is in a much better position than where it was when Jack Dalrymple was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor in 2000.

Now this Governor says he's ready to take North Dakota to an even better place.

"We as a people are at an incredible moment in our state's history and we are ready to write the next great chapter."

Dalrymple says we must keep doing what's working and create a stronger future.

He focused a large part of his speech on the states commitment to western North Dakota.

That part of the state has suffered great impacts by oil development.

Dalrymple says they deserve a larger share of the oil revenues.

"And help them financially as they increase the number of sheriffs deputies and police officers in their communities. Having strong local law enforcement is what will give people peace of mind, and insure that we remain one of the safest states in the nation."

In response to the increased activity -- Dalrymple is asking lawmakers to send 15 new Highway Patrol Troopers that direction.

Along with a large chunk of the $2.7 Billion to be spent on roads.

Another priority, increasing the states share of paying for schools, dropping property taxes by 20%.

Dalrymple says while his budget shows an increase in spending, the spending will not get out of control.

"I believe many people have been watching our national budget crisis with great concern, and they naturally are worried that the same situation could develop at the state level. It has not and it will not happen in ND."

His speech was not all business though.

Dalrymple recognized some of the state's best, including the recent NDSU football Champions and our two heroes killed December in Afghanistan.

Families of Specialist Orgaard and Sgt. 1st Class Linde had special seats in the House Chambers.

"As we remember and honor them, we also remember and honor their families who have borne such a significant loss. They too have sacrificed and paid an extraordinary price in the name of freedom."

The speech kicks off the beginning of the 63rd Legislative session...

One that according to Dalrymple is full of opportunity.

"We have a very special opportunity now to create an incredibly bright future for all of us, a future that is safe, secure, and includes a quality of life that is unsurpassed anywhere in the world.">>