Prairie Public NewsRoom
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Special session still a possibility; Democratic leaders skeptical

Dave Thompson
/
Prairie Public

The director of North Dakota’s Office of Management and Budget says a new revenue forecast – due out in mid-July – will show if Gov. Jack Dalrymple has to call a special session to deal with budget issues.

The slowdown in the agriculture and oil industries means the state is collecting less in sales taxes. Already, the Governor has had to order a 4 percent allotment – meaning state agencies had to cut back on spending. And Dalrymple had to dip into the budget stabilization fund.

"We're working on the revenue forecast with Moody's right now," OMB director Pam Sharp told the Legislature's interim Budget Section. "We hope to have that wrapped up by the middle of July. Also, by the middle of July, we will know what the June revenues look like."

Sharp says there are three options, based on that forecast. One – if the revenue picture brightens – is to do nothing. Two would be to order another small budget allotment. And three – if the revenues are significantly less – is to call lawmakers back.

House Minority Leader Kenton Onstad (D-Parshall) says he doubts a special session will be called to deal with the state’s budget. Onstad says he’s willing to be back for a special session – but he doesn’t think Republicans will do that, so close to an election.

"We would have legislators that vote, rather than just talk about something," Onstad said. "Because of the timing, I'm willing to say there won't be a special session."

Senate Appropriations Committee chairman Ray Holmberg (R-Grand Forks) says a special session is still a possibility. Holmberg says it depends on the numbers.

"If the numbers are bad, then it's very likely," Holmberg said. "But I have no idea what the numbers are. And I'm guessing no one else does, either."

Onstad and Senate Minority Leader Mac Schneider (D-Grand Forks) say Dalrymple should have called a special session much earlier, before he had to order 4 percent allotments.

Related Content