State of North Dakota secondary Archives: on Welfare & Poverty

Doug Burgum: World poverty is down; world health is up; ND will benefit

Extreme global poverty has been cut in half over the last 20 years. 75% of the world now lives in middle income countries. Global life expectancy is up to 72 years. Across the globe, we've seen dramatic decreases in deaths related to disease, war and natural disasters--and dramatic increases in access to clean water and electricity, literacy, food production, internet access and immunizations. Abundance--by nearly every measure--is on the rise.

Why does this matter to North Dakota? For two reasons. A world with improving health and increasing incomes will consume more energy--more food--and more technology. The world will need more and more of what North Dakota has. Second, it matters in the context of the US--and North Dakota's role in the world.

Jack Dalrymple: $15 million in our Housing Incentive Fund and FlexPace

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.

Shelley Lenz: Keep food production in ND to guarantee food for people