As North Dakota’s legislative session reaches its halfway point with over 700 bills remaining, the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of our citizens has never been greater.
Across the state, with help wanted signs in the windows of businesses large and small, our citizens and communities are feeling the effects of North Dakota’s No. 1 barrier to economic growth – the workforce shortage.
Our laser focus on this critical issue was evident with the first bill that legislators sent to my desk to be signed. Providing $68 million in matching funds will help establish 13 career academies across the state where students can pursue high-demand careers in the trades, health care, technology and other sectors.
On Wednesday, Gov. Burgum met with Medal of Honor recipient and Minot resident Clint Romesha.
Romesha, who is also a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal recipient, was presented with the Medal of Honor in 2013 for his role as Section Leader with Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy at Battle of Kamdesh, Afghanistan, on Oct. 3, 2009.
Romesha is working with America's Warrior Partnership to support communities to prevent veteran suicide. He also works with Together With Veterans in Minot, a suicide prevention program for rural veterans utilizing mental wellness services through text messages.
"Employers in North Dakota are fortunate to have an abundance of resources available to them to help provide workplace safety -- a critical component for both employers and employees," Miller said. "As the former CEO of a private sector employer, I understand the importance of the work done by the Safety Council and why it matters. Businesses can’t succeed without the safety and well-being of their team members. With more than 150 safety courses offered in-person and online, the Safety Council is the region’s leader in workplace safety. And with more than 30,000 job openings in North Dakota, a safe and healthy workforce is critical to keeping our state’s economy humming along and growing."
