A recap of recent events and happenings in the administration of Gov. Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Strinden





The Scope
________________________________________________________________________



*February 21, 2025*

________________________________________________________________________


SB2201
*Armstrong signs first bill of 2025 legislative session, expanding eligibility for primary residence tax credit*

Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed his first bill of the 2025 legislative session, expanding eligibility for the state’s $500 property tax credit on primary residences to allow an estimated 3,900 additional residences to qualify for the credit.

Senate Bill 2201 expands the primary residence tax credit, first approved in 2023, to allow for the inclusion of primary residences held by trust, life estates and property being purchased under a contract for deed.

“As we continue to work on a broader property tax relief and reform package, signing this bill into law ensures the property tax relief approved last session is available to all primary residence owners as intended,” Armstrong said. “We appreciate the bill sponsors and state Tax Commissioner’s Office for their efforts to fix this issue and expand tax relief for North Dakota homeowners, making our state a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family.”

The bill was introduced by Sen. Mark Weber of Casselton, who chairs the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee, and co-sponsored by Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, House Finance and Taxation Committee Chairman Craig Headland, and the chairs of the Senate and House appropriations committees, Sen. Brad Bekkedahl and Rep. Don Vigesaa.

The House and Senate both unanimously approved SB 2201. The bill makes the expanded eligibility retroactive to taxable years 2024 and 2025.

“This bill corrects an oversight from last session and rightfully allows primary residences held in trust to be eligible for the primary residence credit on their 2024 and 2025 property taxes,” Weber said. “The goal of the primary residence credit was to allow all homeowners – assuming they live in those homes – to receive that relief, and this bill ensures that can happen.”

The expanded eligibility will save taxpayers up to $1.9 million in both the 2023-25 and 2025-27 biennia. An emergency clause in the bill allows those newly eligible to apply immediately.

“I’m pleased with the outcome, and we look forward to working with eligible individuals to ensure their application for both the 2024 and 2025 property tax years are processed and credit received,” state Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus said. “I encourage them to apply online at tax.nd.gov/prc [ [link removed] ] or contact us directly at 877-649-0112 to connect with a property tax credit specialist.”  

________________________________________________________________________


Ag PC
*New report highlights agriculture’s $41.3 billion impact on North Dakota’s economy*

Gov. Armstrong and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring in collaboration with North Dakota State University (NDSU) along with the North Dakota Department of Commerce, released a comprehensive economic report underscoring agriculture's critical role in the state's economy and rural prosperity. 

The study, conducted by NDSU’s Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics and the Center for Social Research, finds that North Dakota’s agriculture industry generates $41.3 billion annually in gross business volume, supports 123,360 jobs and contributes $10 billion in labor income.  

“Agriculture isn’t just an industry. It’s the backbone of our economy and a cornerstone of rural prosperity,” said Dr. Greg Lardy, NDSU vice president for agricultural affairs. “This report reinforces the need for policies that drive investment and innovation in the sector.” 

The report, unveiled during a press conference at the state Capitol, also highlights the continued growth of commodity processing and value-added agriculture, which are driving new economic opportunities across the state. 

“Continuing to add value to our commodities benefits every farmer and rancher across North Dakota and makes our state’s economy more resilient,” Armstrong said, citing examples such as the recently added soybean processing plants in Spiritwood and Casselton and a proposed potato processing plant in Grand Forks. “We’re committed to expanding processing and diversifying our agriculture sector to create jobs and ensure that North Dakota remains a leader in ag innovation as we feed and fuel the world.”  

The North Dakota Agriculture Industry Economic Contribution Analysis was funded by industry, including the following: North Dakota Agricultural Association; North Dakota Corn Growers Association; North Dakota Dry Bean Council; North Dakota Farm Bureau; North Dakota Farmers Union; North Dakota Soybean Council; North Dakota Soybean Growers Association; North Dakota Stockmen’s Association; Northern Canola Growers Association; Northern Pulse Growers Association; Northland Potato Growers Association; and Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association.

“Agriculture continues to play an integral part in our state’s economy, thanks to our hardworking and innovative farmers, ranchers, rural communities and ag industries,” Goehring said. “We look forward to the future of agriculture as opportunities to add value, new cutting-edge developments and continued research shape how we produce a wide array of products used here and around the world.”

Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken tied the report’s findings to the need for strategic rural planning.

“Planning is essential to ensure agriculture’s long-term success,” Schilken said. “From infrastructure to workforce development, rural communities need forward-thinking strategies to keep pace with industry growth. That’s why events like the North Dakota Rural Planning Symposium are so critical. They bring together experts and community leaders to map out a sustainable future for North Dakota’s rural economy.” 

 

*Read the Full Report* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________


President Trump speaks to governors at the White House business meeting.

President Donald Trump addresses governors at the White House business session during the National Governors Association Winter Meeting on Friday, Feb. 21.

*Armstrong attending National Governors Association Winter Meeting, business session at White House*

Gov. Armstrong and First Lady Kjersti Armstrong are attending the National Governors Association Winter Meeting this week, through Saturday, in Washington, D.C. The governor is participating in sessions on a variety of topics as well as a business session for governors at the White House with Cabinet members and President Donald Trump.

“I’m looking forward to meeting with fellow governors to share North Dakota’s success story and learn about what’s working in other states,” said Armstrong, who took office Dec. 15. “Kjersti and I appreciate NGA for providing a forum for these discussions with other governors about our common challenges and how we can work with other states and the White House to strengthen North Dakota and our nation.”

Session topics include innovative ways to address workforce challenges, border security and efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking, support for military members and their families, food security and education.

The NGA Winter Meeting is one of two annual convenings of the bipartisan association, which represents governors from all 50 states and five U.S. territories.

________________________________________________________________________


Christy
*Armstrong issues statement on passing of Rep. Josh Christy; flags directed to half-staff on day of interment *

Gov. Armstrong issued the following statement regarding the passing of state Rep. Josh Christy of Fargo, who died Tuesday, Feb. 18, at age 43.

“Josh Christy was a passionate advocate for the residents of District 27 and all North Dakotans, a loving husband and doting father to three beautiful daughters, and someone I was honored to call a friend,” Armstrong said. “Kjersti and I are heartbroken for Mary and the girls, and we ask that all North Dakotans join us in praying for Josh’s family, friends and legislative colleagues during this difficult time.”

Christy was first elected to the state House of Representatives in November 2022 and was in Bismarck for the current legislative session at the time of his passing. His wife, Mary Christy, served as constituent services director and state director for Armstrong during his six years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Armstrong directed all U.S. and North Dakota flags to be flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk on the day of Christy’s interment, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses. An updated flag advisory will be sent when funeral arrangements are announced.

________________________________________________________________________


state icon
*Help choose North Dakota's new icon*

The North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Division has partnered with The Good Kids, a Bismarck-based design studio, to create a new icon that represents our great state. This initiative aims to increase awareness of North Dakota beyond our borders while also fostering pride among residents. The icon will not replace the state's "Be Legendary" brand but will complement it, offering a versatile graphic for use on merchandise such as t-shirts, stickers and flags.

After careful development, two design options are being forwarded for public input. *You* can help choose the icon that best represents North Dakota.

For more information on how to participate in selecting the icon, go to  [link removed] [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________



*IN OTHER NEWS*

________________________________________________________________________



native day ________________________________________________________________________

Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden attended Native Day in Memorial Hall at the Capitol on Thursday.

""Our administration is committed to working with our tribal nations in North Dakota to address our shared challenges, identify opportunities and create a better future for all," Strinden "said"."



________________________________________________________________________

Gov. Armstrong waived hours of service requirements for haulers of propane and other petroleum products amid a cold snap.

Read the executive order here [ [link removed] ].

propane

baesler ________________________________________________________________________

Gov. Armstrong congratulated state Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler on her nomination to a U.S. Department of Education post.

Read the full release here [ [link removed] ].



________________________________________________________________________

The State Water Commission (SWC) approved funding for 11 projects through its cost-share program, totaling approximately $19.5 million.

Read the full release here [ [link removed] ].

water

farm to school ________________________________________________________________________

North Dakota leads the Mountain Plains Region in several Farm to School activities and outcomes, according to the recently released U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm to School Census.

Read the full report here [ [link removed] ].



________________________________________________________________________

Gov. Armstrong hosted Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber members for breakfast at the Governor's Residence to discuss legislative priorities like infrastructure, education and behavioral health. 

 

FMWF chamber

________________________________________________________________________









Stay Connected with the Governor's Office:



[ [link removed] ]    [ [link removed] ]    [ [link removed] ]    [ [link removed] ]



 

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using govDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: The State of North Dakota · 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 110
Bismarck, ND 58505-0400 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]

body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;} table.govd_hr {min-width: 100%;}