Jack Dalrymple in 2013 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Crime:
More state troopers, more parole and probation programs
In the area of law enforcement we have moved 13 additional state troopers to oil country in the current biennium. But we need to do more to support the county sheriffs, the police chiefs, and the state's attorneys in rapid growth areas.
That is why I have recommended 15 additional troopers for the North Dakota Highway Patrol, and I've supported increased budgets for the courts and the parole and probation programs.
But the greatest assistance we can provide to counties and cities in western North Dakota is to let them keep a larger share of the oil revenues and help them financially as they increase the number of sheriff's deputies and
police officers in their communities. Having strong local law enforcement is what will give people peace of mind, and insure that we remain one of the safest states in the nation.
Source: North Dakota 2013 State of the State Address
Jan 8, 2013
On Energy & Oil:
Focus on pipeline and rail capacity for oil & gas
In energy we continue to see our growth targets realized. We have seen amazing growth in crude oil production, increasing from 460,000 barrels per day when I spoke to you two years ago, to 747,000 barrels per day currently. Two years ago pipelines and
rail capacity were major barriers to growth in oil and gas production. Since 2010 we have more than doubled our pipeline and rail capacity from less than 500,000 barrels of oil per day to one million barrels. Not only is that good for the industry but it
also gets trucks off our roads.Our production of natural gas has also more than doubled from two years ago. We have encouraged the gathering of natural gas and have also doubled processing capacity since the end of 2010. By 2014 we expect to
have capacity to process 1.36 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. We are also promoting the use of natural gas at the well site instead of diesel fuel, and today we are seeing a leveling off of the percentage of natural gas that is being flared.
Source: North Dakota 2013 State of the State Address
Jan 8, 2013
On Families & Children:
Great need for more and better child care services
A year ago we set out on a state visioning process called "2020 and Beyond," to hear people's own ideas about how to create a better future for our state. First and foremost, we heard about the great need for more and better child care services
throughout the state. This has become a challenge for young parents who would like to contribute more to our workforce. We are already supporting the training of child care providers, but the real challenge is expansion of child care capacity
with more facilities. Most child care providers in North Dakota are home-based and have found commercial rental rates to be cost prohibitive. We have tested a cost-share program to provide permanent modular facilities capable of handling 18 children in a
custom designed layout. It looks promising and led to our recommendation for a grant program that will help private child care providers get into expanded facilities with very little cost for space.
Source: North Dakota 2013 State of the State Address
Jan 8, 2013
On Health Care:
Cutting benefits to those in need is not an option
Taking care of all our people is a fundamental responsibility we all share. The state must make up $93 million this biennium in reduced federal funding for Medicaid reimbursements. We must make up the loss with state funds because cutting benefits to
those in need of healthcare is not an option.At the same time, we need to support nursing homes, health care providers, and providers serving people with developmental disabilities and mental illness.
Their costs of staffing and other expenses have gone up and it is very difficult for them to break even. We also must support our rural health clinics, our critical access hospitals and enhanced programs that care for our senior citizens in their homes.
Taking care of our own is what we do in North Dakota.
Source: North Dakota 2013 State of the State Address
Jan 8, 2013
On Jobs:
Job growth from low taxes & regulations, not just oil
The national media contacts my office nearly every week asking the same question: "What are you guys doing out there anyhow?" I explain to them about our record of job creation and smart budgeting. But then they ask, "Isn't it all about the oil?" and
I enjoy explaining to them that our unemployment rate, which is the lowest in the nation at 2.8%, is very low throughout the state including the Red River Valley which is about 260 miles from the nearest oil well.
For the last 12 years our successful strategies for job growth and economic development have begun with creating a positive business climate. That means a focus on low taxes, a reasonable regulatory climate, and the most responsive
state government anywhere. In state government itself, we have found a model that has stood the test of time, which is to: fund our priorities responsibly; build strong reserves for the future; and provide tax relief whenever possible.
Source: North Dakota 2013 State of the State Address
Jan 8, 2013
On Technology:
Invest reserve fund in one-time highway infrastructure
A challenge created by rapid growth is the maintenance and improvement of our roads and highways. These one-time infrastructure investments are the best use of our reserve funds because they will pay back to all of us for decades to come.
Being able to move our products, people and services from place to place is at the very core of a thriving economy. But it's not just about industry and commercial development. Providing a safe and convenient road system to every corner of the state is a
basic necessity for people living in a rural state.We increased the Department of Transportation budget by more than $500 million in the current biennium for critical road and highway improvements. For the 2013-2015 biennium we need another increase
of more than $1 billion. This funding increase would bring the Department of Transportation's total budget to $2.7 billion. The level of activity in our state demands that we keep up with these long-term investments.
Source: North Dakota 2013 State of the State Address
Jan 8, 2013
On Welfare & Poverty:
$15 million in our Housing Incentive Fund and FlexPace
A great challenge facing our state is the supply of housing. More housing is on its way, but high rents have caused the greatest challenge for people in the low to moderate income category. To meet this challenge we are currently making direct
investments in low income housing through our new Housing Incentive Fund administered by our own Housing Finance Agency. These housing projects are popping up throughout North Dakota and have rents that are capped by long-term agreements with the
developers. Single bedroom units have become available in the $300-$400 range.Two years ago we challenged the taxpayers of North Dakota to invest $15 million in our Housing Incentive Fund in exchange for state income tax credits.
This will result in the construction of 739 housing units valued at $104 million. Despite this good progress, the need for affordable housing is so great that we recommend increasing the Housing Incentive Fund in the coming two years to $50 million.
Source: North Dakota 2013 State of the State Address
Jan 8, 2013
Page last updated: Dec 05, 2018