Published: January 27, 2023
Key Takeaways
- Rep. Claire Cory (R, District 42) and other state legislators are asking that $24 million be taken from the public education system that funnels those dollars to private schools.
- Testimony for SB 2239, which would invest in North Dakota Public Employee Retirement System’s pension plan, was heard earlier today.
- Two school lunch bills were introduced: HB 1491 would provide lunch at no cost for all public school students in North Dakota, while HB 1494 would prohibit any form of school lunch shaming.
The deadline to introduce new bills has passed and we now know what our road ahead looks like. There were nearly 1,000 bills submitted this session and ND United is monitoring upwards of 200. As the session progresses, we will be sending out action alerts to help elevate your voices in support of good legislation and to fight back against bad legislation. Together, we can pressure our lawmakers to make the right decision.
Vouchers
In House Bill 1532, Rep. Claire Cory (R, District 42) and other state legislators are asking that 24 million dollars be taken from the public education system and put into an education reimbursement program that funnels those dollars to private schools. Additionally, Senate Bill 2369 would exempt parents whose children attend non-public school or are homeschooled from paying property taxes, which takes money directly from public school systems. With a public education system already lacking in necessary resources, we cannot afford to lose funding to for-profit, private schools. Voucher schemes like these two bills also take critical resources out of rural schools and send them to private schools in bigger cities or across state borders. All around the country, vouchers have led to consolidation of rural schools. North Dakota United opposes this bill. Testimony for HB 1532 will be heard February 1st at 2:30 pm in front of the House Education Committee. Senate Bill 2369 will also be heard on February 1st at 9 am with the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee.
Pensions
Testimony for SB 2239, which would invest in North Dakota Public Employee Retirement System’s pension plan, was heard earlier today. North Dakota United President Nick Archuleta provided testimony in support along with nine others from various institutions across the state. No opposing testimony was presented. Stay tuned to our emails as the Senate State and Local Government Committee will soon decide on their recommendation before this bill heads to the Senate Assembly.
Free School Lunches
Our schools play an important role in ensuring every child has access to a healthy meal so they can continue to learn and grow. House Bill 1491 would provide lunch at no cost for all public school students in North Dakota, while HB 1494 would prohibit any form of school lunch shaming – like identifying which students are on reduced lunch programs or throwing food away if a child cannot afford it. North Dakota United supports these bills.
Learn More
Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education & Public Services
With more than 11,500 members across the state, NDU supports equal opportunities for success for ALL North Dakota students, and respect and support for all educators. NDU members are teachers, community college professors, speech pathologists, bus drivers, secretaries, retired educators and student teachers.