A Fargo Senator had a bill drafted some time ago – back in March -- in case there was a special Legislative session to deal with the state’s budget shortfall.
And Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) said the bill is still valid.
Governor Dalrymple has called a special session starting August 2nd to deal with a projected $310 million shortfall. Mathern said this is a chance to set budget priorities, instead of an across-the-board allotment.
"It permits us to fund things that have other money coming in, versus cutting things, and having to make further cuts from the federal government or other income sources," Mathern said.
As an example, Mathern points to the federal Medicaid match.
"When we make a $15 million reduction in nursing home payments, that also eliminates $15 million in federal dollars," Mathern said. "That's the ultimate of shooting ourselves in the foot."
Gov. Jack Dalrymple has said the budget fixes will be in one bill. Mathern said at this point, no one knows what will be in it.
"But I already have a bill," Mathern said. "And I have a sneaking suspicion that much of the Republicans' one big bill will include some of the ideas I've had. And it will pass under a Republican version."
Mathern’s bill would restore some of the cuts that may affect monies the state receives from the federal government – such as the Medicaid match, that helps fund nursing homes. His bill would also restore $1.8 million to the Board of Higher Education for scholarships and grants. And it would transfer $40.6 million out of the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund into the state's General Fund. Dalrymple further suggested profits of the Bank of North Dakota could also be transferred into the General Fund.
