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





The Scope
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*March 7, 2025*

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prop tax poll
Armstrong: Momentum strong for property tax relief and reform

"The following is an opinion piece by Gov. Kelly Armstrong"

American auto pioneer Henry Ford once said, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”

With the legislative session reaching its halfway point, success is starting to come into focus as we continue working with lawmakers to deliver meaningful property tax relief and reform.

There is real momentum, and there’s a simple reason why: because taxpayers are demanding it.

The message from voters on the campaign trail last year was loud and clear: Property taxes are too high, and recent efforts by the state to buy down property tax bills haven’t done enough to offset rising home values and growth in local spending.

We began working on solutions last summer and rolled out a property tax relief and reform package in my State of the State address on Jan. 7. Our proposal included a primary residence tax credit of $1,550 per year in the 2025-27 biennium – with that amount growing over time – and a cap of 3% per year on future increases in local property tax budgets.

This plan is responsible, achievable and durable, using Legacy Fund earnings to initially pay for part of the relief and eventually cover all the cost. And it delivers relief first to those who need it most: In this first biennium alone, 3 of 4 homeowners would qualify for the relief, and 1 out of those 3 would pay no property tax.

The reaction was overwhelmingly positive from North Dakota homeowners who have been hit hard by property taxes. On the other hand, certain cities, counties and other political subdivisions were predictably less receptive to a state-imposed limit on their spending.

This week, House lawmakers passed House Bill 1176, which was introduced by Rep. Mike Nathe and most closely resembles our proposal, with only slightly lower relief of $1,450 per year.

The 81-10 vote bodes well for the bill going forward, and we’re thankful for House members’ action.

As the bill crosses over to the Senate, there may be a desire to water down the relief to taxpayers. This would be a mistake.

The House has already loosened the cap provision, making it easier for voters to bypass the 3% cap for up to four years with a simple majority vote. Reducing the $1,450 per year of relief in HB 1176 would shortchange taxpayers at a time when state revenues are strong and reserve funds are healthier than ever.

We urge the Senate to adopt HB 1176 as quickly as possible, as the cost of this property tax relief and reform package will affect many legislative decisions downstream. Senators have been involved in these discussions from the beginning. We have momentum, let’s not waste it.

We know this package won’t be perfect, and the likelihood is high that legislators will need to make adjustments in two years, particularly to the cap provision. But, just this once, why don’t we give taxpayers the benefit of the doubt? The worst that can happen is they get to keep more of their hard-earned money and local political subdivisions must live within their means.

Whatever version of the bill reaches my desk, this much is certain: It must include reform. Otherwise, we’ll still be stuck in Einstein’s definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

North Dakota taxpayers deserve better, and I’m confident the Legislature will deliver.

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GF
*Armstrong: State will provide $20M to expedite railroad underpass project at UND in Grand Forks*

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) will provide $20 million in state funding to expedite the completion of a long-planned railroad underpass project near the University of North Dakota campus, Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced  in a meeting with Grand Forks officials in Bismarck.

The project will enhance traffic flow and safety by constructing an underpass at the railroad crossing on 42nd Street with an additional 10-foot-wide shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians.

Officials visited UND in July 2023 to announce a $30 million federal grant for the project as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program. However, estimates for construction came in higher than the $60 million projection. Rather than delay the project, Armstrong has authorized NDDOT to use its Flexible Transportation Fund Program (Flex Fund) to ensure the project is fully funded and can start on time.

“Those of us who have lived in Grand Forks and attended UND are all too familiar with the traffic delays and collisions that occur at the railroad crossing on the west end of campus. Using our Flex Fund to expedite this project will improve public safety and save valuable time and resources for taxpayers and students,” Armstrong said.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion expected in 2028.

The Flex Fund was established in 2023 to complement the Federal Aid Highway program and support an interconnected transportation system in North Dakota. The state funds can be used to improve transportation infrastructure both on and off the state highway system, and to match local funds and federal discretionary grants, allowing for faster completion of projects.

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Armstrong statement on passing of Secret Service agent, Rough Rider Award recipient Clint Hill
Clint HIll

Gov. Armstrong released the following statement regarding the passing of retired U.S. Secret Service Agent Clint Hill, who received the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens, in November 2018. Hill died Feb. 21 at age 93.

“Clint Hill embodied the qualities of courage, service and sacrifice. His loyalty to his country and his devotion to his solemn duty to protect the president continues to inspire us to this day,” Armstrong said. “North Dakota has lost a legendary native son.”

Hill served in the U.S. Secret Service from 1958 to 1975, protecting the presidency through the administrations of presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon and Gerald R. Ford. Hill was best known for his courageous actions on Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, when in the midst of the Kennedy assassination, he leapt onto the back of the presidential limousine to shield the President and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy with his own body.

In accepting the Rough Rider Award from then-Gov. Doug Burgum, Hill said it was a humbling experience to be placed on the list of achievers who have previously received the award.

“You have made a fellow North Dakotan a very proud and happy man,” Hill said. “I may have left North Dakota because of employment opportunities, but my heart and soul will always be here in Washburn, along the banks of the Missouri River in McLean County.”

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Trump
*Armstrong releases statement on President Trump’s address to joint session of Congress*

Gov. Armstrong released the following statement after President Donald Trump’s address Tuesday to a joint session of Congress.

“President Trump outlined the significant progress our nation has made during his six short weeks in office to secure our borders, unleash U.S. energy and manufacturing, project strength on the international stage and bring common sense back to America,” Armstrong said. “Illegal immigration is down, investment in U.S. manufacturing is up, and North Dakota is among the states that stand to benefit most from the president’s focus on American innovation, common-sense regulations and government efficiency.”

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A chorus performs during the North Dakota State Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the state Capitol in Bismarck.

The 2024 Governor’s Choir, the Central Chamber Choir from Grand Forks Central High School, performs during the annual North Dakota State Christmas Tree lighting ceremony Dec. 5 in Memorial Hall at the state Capitol in Bismarck.

*Armstrong announces application period open for Governor’s Band/Orchestra and Choral programs*

Gov. Armstrong announced the application period is now open for school, community and church bands, orchestras and choirs across North Dakota to apply to serve as the Governor’s Official State Band/Orchestra Program and Choral Program for the 2025-2026 school year.

From the applications received, the Governor and First Lady will select the two groups based on musical talent, achievement and community involvement. The governor may invite them to perform at official state functions held throughout the year, including the State of the State Address.

Interested groups should submit an application, references and a musical recording to the Governor’s Office by 5 p.m. Friday, April 4. The Governor’s Band/Orchestra Program and Governor’s Choral Program will be announced in April and may be invited to perform at the Capitol in May 2025 and at events throughout the 2025-2026 school year. Please complete the application and provide materials at [link removed] [ [link removed] ].

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*IN OTHER NEWS*

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NDIAC ________________________________________________________________________

Gov. Armstrong met with the ND Indian Affairs Commission, sharing his vision for working together with all tribal nations in North Dakota and hearing legislative priorities from the tribal leaders.



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ND EduTech, NDIT and Gov. Armstrong helped celebrate exceptional achievements by students in computing and honored the Cyber Madness champions at the ND K12 Technology Showcase.

edutech

STEM ________________________________________________________________________

Gov. Armstrong joined STEM Day at the Capitol with students from around the state, exploring and engaging in hands-on learning experiences. 



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The North Dakota House passed HB1176, the property tax relief and reform bill, sending it to the Senate with strong momentum. 

Read the bill here [ [link removed] ].

hb1176

Gov. Armstrong and Sen. Scott Meyer pose for a photo in the Capitol with leadership from Grand Forks Air Force Base. ________________________________________________________________________

Gov. Armstrong met with representatives from the Grand Forks Air Force Base, including Col. Timothy Monroe, commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, and state Sen. Scott Meyer of Grand Forks. 



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