Burgum, Sanford unveil child care proposal to support working families, address workforce challenges
Legislators join in highlighting the need for affordable, available, quality child care services to remove a key barrier to workforce participation
Gov. Doug Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford were joined by state legislators Tuesday at a press conference in Fargo to announce a framework for legislation to address the availability, affordability and quality of child care services in North Dakota, which continues to be a major barrier to workforce participation.
Currently, child care costs account for 15% to 40% of the average household budget in North Dakota, which often isn’t sustainable for young working families, according to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS). Burgum pointed to data showing most North Dakota communities are experiencing greater workforce shortages this year than last year, with job openings in August up 4.3% over the same month a year ago and the state’s unemployment rate being the sixth-lowest in the nation.
“Workforce is one of North Dakota’s top barriers to economic growth, yet in many cases, parents are having to choose between working and paying for child care, or not working at all,” Burgum said. “Providing better availability to affordable, quality child care will make it easier for working families – especially young families just beginning their careers – to engage in work, provide for their families, help grow our economy and support local businesses and their communities. We’re grateful to everyone who collaborated on this proposal, and we look forward to working with the legislature to pass a child care package that addresses our workforce needs and provides quality early childhood experiences.”
“This proposal is the result of more than 14 months of work and discussions with child care providers, business leaders, the Workforce Development Council, legislators and other key stakeholders,” said Sanford, who chairs the state’s Early Childhood Education Council. “To make a meaningful impact for children, working parents and businesses, we need to adopt a comprehensive strategy that includes government and employers partnering with communities to reach solutions.”
Also attending or participating in today’s press conference at Bright Futures Learning Center in Fargo were Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Chris Jones, Greater North Dakota Chamber President and CEO Arik Spencer, and state legislators including Sens. Dale Patten of Watford City and Kyle Davison of Fargo and Reps. Mike Beltz of Hillsboro, Matt Ruby of Minot, Emily O’Brien and Mark Sanford of Grand Forks, Greg Stemen of Fargo, and Cynthia Schreiber-Beck and Alisa Mitskog of Wahpeton. Senators Curt Kreun of Grand Forks and Judy Lee of West Fargo and Reps. Jon Nelson of Rugby and Michelle Strinden of Fargo were unable to attend but also indicated their support for the proposal, which has an estimated cost of $70 million to $80 million over the two years of the 2023-25 biennium.
The proposal focuses on affordability, availability and quality of child care services, addressing each area in multiple ways. Read about them at the link below.
Burgum honors soldiers at sendoff ceremonies for two ND National Guard units
Gov. Burgum honored North Dakota National Guard members' service during sendoff ceremonies last week for two deploying Guard units.
On Wednesday, an estimated audience of over 1,200 family members, friends, and fellow National Guard members gathered to honor about 155 Soldiers assigned to the Fargo-based 191st Military Police (MP) Company at the Fargo Civic Center.
The unit, headquartered in Fargo with a detachment in Grand Forks, will deploy overseas for about year in support of U.S. Central Command’s area of operations and is led by Capt. Nathan Johnson and 1st Sgt. Jeremy Gowan.
Gov. Burgum, commander in chief of the North Dakota National Guard, and Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, adjutant general, addressed the Soldiers and families during the ceremony.
“The greatest honor of all is the opportunity to be the commander-in-chief of the incredible North Dakota National Guard, the best National Guard unit in the country. And we don’t just say that as a phrase, we say it because it’s true. We hear it over and over again … and I know that this group, the 191st, on this deployment will again be the pride of North Dakota in the work that you do,” Burgum said. “You’ve answered the call to serve, and we salute you. We look forward to the celebration when you all return safely, and in the meantime, you are going to be in our thoughts and prayers.”
Dohrmann thanked the audience for attending before addressing the families. “To the families here, you are the unsung heroes of our military. You serve everyday with your outstanding support to your loved one in uniform,” said Dohrmann. “Soldiers, be sure to show your Families gratitude by thanking them for backing you each and every day.”
He also cited the importance of the great community and employer support enjoyed by the North Dakota National Guard. “We couldn’t do our jobs without these great patriots.”
Earlier in the week, Burgum addressed members of the 1-112th Aviation Battalion who are deploying to U.S. Northern Command in support of the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by providing mission-enhancing capabilities to secure the southwest border. The unit has supported the border mission with aircraft and crews dating back to 2010.
Governor, First Lady highlight importance of recovery services at groundbreaking for Turtle Mountain facility
Gov. Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum on Friday participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Turtle Mountain Recovery Center (TMRC) in Belcourt, highlighting the critically important role of recovery services in addressing the disease of addiction.
“The Turtle Mountain Recovery Center is a key addition to the toolbox in the battle against the disease of addiction,” the governor said. “We’re grateful to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians for their continued partnership on this important issue and for taking the lead on this crucial project and investing in the health and well-being of their members for current and future generations.”
“Thank you for your tireless efforts to create pathways to recovery for all of the people of Turtle Mountain and beyond. I know this is a culmination of years of research, planning and development to make this dream come alive,” the first lady said in her keynote address. “Today is a celebration of taking the next big step toward ending addiction in your community. I am in awe of the spirt, passion and drive this community has for looking out for each other, extending a helping hand, and creating opportunities for hope, healing and recovery.”
The $18 million Turtle Mountain Recovery Center will more than double the current available treatment capacity in the Turtle Mountains. Plans are for the facility to begin as a center for culturally based residential and outpatient treatment of substance use disorder and eventually become a full-scale behavioral health care practice to also offer mental health services to the communities of the Turtle Mountain Reservation.
Friday's ceremony included remarks from Tribal Chairman Jamie Azure, North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley, North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission Executive Director Nathan Davis and USDA Rural Development State Director Erin Oban, among others.
The governor and first lady will host the sixth annual Recovery Reinvented on Nov. 3 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. Registration is free and open at www.recoveryreinvented.com.
Burgum, Sanford recognize team members with 2022 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service
Gov. Burgum and Lt. Gov. Sanford on Thursday announced the 2022 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service, recognizing team members for making a positive difference in the lives of North Dakota citizens through their dedicated work in state government.
“Team North Dakota members continue to deliver on our shared purpose to Empower People, Improve Lives and Inspire Success by providing outstanding service to our citizens, often in new and innovative ways,” Burgum said. “As a testament to their excellent work, we received more than 900 nominations this year. We are deeply grateful for these individuals, their teams and their tireless dedication to the state of North Dakota and its citizens.”
Burgum and Sanford presented the awards during an in-person and virtual ceremony livestreamed from the North Dakota Heritage Center during State Team Member Recognition Month.
The awards and recipients are:
Pioneer Award for Excellence in Innovation: Paul Moen, director of technology for the Department of Water Resources, for his role in implementing the PRESENS monitoring system in North Dakota and prioritizing data-driven decision-making in water resource management.
Zezula Award – “One Who Helps”: Shane Grove, maintenance supervisor at Turtle River State Park, for actively seeking innovations and efficiencies that benefit the whole of Parks and Recreation, prioritize the safety of Team ND and enhance the experience for citizens. This includes the development of an improved intake system for state winter trail grooming vehicles and the implementation of automated solutions for parks maintenance teams.
Harvest Award for Excellence in Quality: Lee Ann Oliver, elections specialist for the Secretary of State’s Office, for her dedication to ensuring the integrity of North Dakota elections and serving as an invaluable partner and resource to state government, candidates for office, elected officials, voters and the public.
Landmark Award for Excellence in People Management: Monique Durgin, end user computer and collaboration manager in North Dakota Information Technology, for leading the desktop support team to the some of the highest customer satisfaction rankings in the agency, improving team member morale and satisfaction and supporting a team critical to the efficient operation of Team ND.
Telegraph Award for Excellence in Technology: Brian Hosek, business operations manager for North Dakota Game and Fish, for his role in the development and implementation of North Dakota’s electronic posting program, including the launch of the electronic posting application, empowering North Dakota’s hunters with information and resources.
Heritage Award for Excellence in Citizen Focus: Jen Raab, communications director for the Office of Management and Budget, for her commitment to quality communications which allow the state to better deliver messages to our team members and citizens, including the development of the Statewide Communications Network and Team ND Connect, a state team member intranet.
Frontier Award for Excellence in Continuous Learning: Sarah Robinson, clinical associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of North Dakota, providing formal learning opportunities for professionals in North Dakota through the creation of evidence-based courses and a recognized certificate in dyslexia.
Sodbuster Award for Excellence in Growth Mindset: Kevin Connors, assistant director for regulatory compliance and energy policy at the Energy and Environmental Research Center, for his leadership in the effort to obtain Class VI primacy in North Dakota and his work with industry, researchers and government partners to develop and implement carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology and policy.
Roaming Bison Award (Team) – 4 recipients:
- 2022 Spring Storms Response team for their efficient and collaborative response to two major weather events this past spring and going above and beyond to implement solutions, provide critical assistance and save lives.
- Department of Health and Human Services Integration for their collaborative and thoughtful work to form a team that builds on each other’s strengths and provides North Dakota citizens with needed services in an efficient manner and guiding the successful creation of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.
- Economic Development & Finance Division, Department of Commerce, for leading the state's efforts to attract, retain and expand economic wealth, assisting businesses and entrepreneurs in entering the North Dakota market and improving opportunities for our workforce, citizens and communities.
- Cyber Madness team for developing and delivering the first-of-its-kind high school state championship for cybersecurity and creating valuable opportunities for our students and future workforce to explore the cybersecurity industry.
NDCA announces North Dakota landscape photographer's works on exhibit at the Capitol
North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) is exhibiting an eye-catching collection of photos by lifelong North Dakota resident and Fine Art Landscape Photographer Scott Seiler on the 18th, or observatory floor, of the Capitol Building through December 2022.
From the rolling prairies to nature's wildflowers and farming fields, Seiler's work documents the beauty of nature from his own unique perspective. The show will complement nature's own fall exhibit of Bismarck which will soon be visible from the expansive windows, in addition to the display of historical photos of the Capitol building from over the years.
Seiler grew up on a ranch near Raleigh and currently resides in Fargo. He specializes in original photography, prints, framed art, canvas and metal wall art, greeting cards and commissioned work.
Now a lead marketing specialist at Sanford Health, Seiler began his career as a broadcast journalist. He transferred his passion for videography to still photography. He is on exhibit widely throughout the region and is currently president and partner member at Gallery 4, a 17-member artist cooperative in Fargo. Seiler serves as a board member of The Arts Partnership and was previously on the board of Fargo Moorhead Visual Artists. He was recently named the "2022 FMVA Artist of the Year.”
For more information on featured artists in the Capitol visit the button below.
Boards and Commissions openings
Currently, there are many boards or commissions openings accepting applications.
Boards and Commissions is made up of North Dakota citizens appointed to represent their community and peers as they help influence policies and programs that play an instrumental and invaluable role to help Empower People, Improve Lives and Inspire Success.
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To be considered for an appointment candidates are invited to complete the application located below.