Dalrymple`s Budget Proposal | Video

Jessica Roose | 12/5/2012

The Governor has laid the groundwork for the upcoming legislative session. Jack Dalrymple unveiled his budget proposals before legislators today as they finished up their three day organizational session at the capitol. The Governor has priorities for spending in the 2013-2015 biennium. He says it was important that his budget proposal address infrastructure needs, set aside reserves for a rainy day and provide additional tax relief to North Dakotans.

It was clear months ago during the primary election that North Dakotans want property tax relief. In June they voted down a measure that would have eliminated property taxes in the state. Today, Governor Jack Dalrymple addressed those concerns in his budget proposal. He says the state should increase it`s share of school funding and lower property tax in an average school district by 60 mills.

"We are proposing that the total property tax relief for the upcoming biennium be made a permanent part of the state school funding formula and the local share of the cost of education be permanently reduced."

Dalrymple also wants to see more money going to K through 12 and higher education. He proposes that lawmakers increase funding to secondary education by $549 million to cover added costs from increased student enrollment, grants and transportation.

"This plan will ensure that our students get the education they need to be well prepared for college and careers."

Improving infrastructure is a top priority for the governor`s higher education budget. He proposes to spend $68 million for a new medical school building in Grand Forks and $13.3 million to replace the library at Bismarck State College.

"We recommend these and other worthy capitol projects which will pay back again and again for decades to come," Dalrymple said.

Other budget recommendations include funding an additional 15 highway patrol troopers and increasing the state`s housing incentive fund to allow for $20 million in state income tax credits.

If you missed the Governor`s speech, you can watch it here. You can also watch the Democrat`s response here.

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