Gov budget
Gov. Jack Dalrymple has given state lawmakers his last executive budget proposal.
“It is roughly the equivalent of the budget in 2013-15,” Dalrymple told reporters in a briefing before the budget address.
Total state spending is pegged at $13 billion. Of that, $4.783 billion is general fund.
“Total general fund spending is down 21 percent compared to this biennium,” Dalrymple told lawmakers. “But it’s considerably less (of a cut) once we account for one time investments that were a part of the 2015-17 budget.”
Some of the highlights:
-Dalrymple’s budget calls for a $200 million transfer of profits from the Bank of North Dakota;
-It also transfers the realized earnings of the Legacy Fund to the general fund;
-Dalrymple saves money by eliminating 583 full time equivalent positions – 268 in general government, and 315 in higher education. Dalrymple said most are either unfilled or won’t be filled when they become vacant;
-K-12 education has no reductions. Dalrymple used the foundation aid stabilization fund to shore up spending on schools, after voters approved a change in how that special fund can be accessed;
-The 12 percent property tax relief fund is no longer there. Instead, the state will take over funding of all social services, saving county taxpayers up to 20 mills;
-State employees would get no raises in the first year of the biennium, and one percent the second year. However, Dalrymple’s budget continues to fully fund health insurance, although Dalrymple said there would be “some adjustments to plan design;”
-Higher Education will be funded at 85 percent, but Dalrymple said the colleges would be allowed to raise tuition up to 2 ½ percent per year to make up for some of that;
-Darlymple would also roll money from the tobacco settlement into the state Health Department, ending the separate committee that has been overseeing tobacco cessation efforts;
-And Dalrymple proposes a “provider assessment” on long-term care.
Governor-elect Doug Burgum issued this statement on the budget:
“Despite a challenging revenue environment, Governor Jack Dalrymple and his team have worked incredibly hard to put together this budget. The budget is being thoroughly reviewed by my team and we look forward to working with the Legislature to balance the budget and fund our priorities, without raising taxes.”
Legislative leaders from both parties said there are things to like about the budget laid out by Dalrymple. But they say they have some questions, such as the provider assessment.
The Legislature begins its deliberations on the budget Jan. 3rd.
