state to gather input and feedback on what issues are most important to our members in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Mandan and West Fargo. Sessions specifically designed for public employees and higher education faculty and staff were also held in Bismarck and at North Dakota State University in Fargo and University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. And then, there was the pandemic.
Legislative Session Will Be a Test
All NDU members can play a part in protecting quality public education and services By Sarah Keiser, NDU Communications
The members and leaders of North Dakota United had big plans for the 2021 Legislative Assembly, a year ago. Huge. We were building a bold, proactive legislative agenda for the next session, which kicks off January 5, 2021, in Bismarck. President Nick Archuleta held listening sessions in communities across the 10
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ND United Voices
“There is no doubt that the effects of COVID-19 have had a profoundly negative impact on the economy in ND and across the country,” President Archuleta said. “As the world shut down last March, demand for oil dropped precipitously, and the result was that the tax revenue derived from the oil industry and the industries that support oil production dried up significantly. So, yes, the Legislature will have some very difficult funding issues to resolve. But we believe that investing in higher education, our state’s workforce and PK-12 education are worthy investments that will pay dividends to the state for years to come. Funding our state’s intellectual infrastructure is every bit as important as funding its physical infrastructure.” As we waited with bated breath throughout the year, we began to wonder how the COVID-19 pandemic would affect all aspects of our lives, including NDU’s legislative agenda. It became increasingly clear that this upcoming legislative session will be drastically different than what was originally expected. What we proactively go after, what we have to
