The Latest: Bills to delay new $5M governor mansion rejected

BISMARCK, N.D. – The Latest on the special session of the Legislature in Bismarck to revise a budget laid low by falling oil prices (all times local):

11:35

Two North Dakota House bills that would have delayed construction of a new $5 million governor’s mansion have failed to get approval during the special session of the Legislature.

Republican Rep. Jim Kasper of Fargo and Democratic Rep. Jerry Kelsh of Fullerton presented their proposals Tuesday.

The lawmakers say it’s not the time to build a new home for the governor while the state is having to make cuts to make up for a projected $310 million revenue shortfall.

The bills were rejected by a Republican-controlled, five-member delayed bills committee.

House Republican majority leader Al Carlson of Fargo says the intent of the session is to be short and focused on the budget. He says accepting other measures will delay the process.

10 a.m.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple told a joint session of the North Dakota Legislature that “belt-tightening is the order of the day.”

Dalrymple called the three-day special session this week to address a $310 million shortfall due to depressed farm and commodity prices.

The governor is endorsing a bill crafted with GOP legislative leaders that would make further cuts to government agencies, skim profits from North Dakota’s state-owned bank and use a rainy day fund to make up the shortfall.

Dalrymple told lawmakers that he believes “the people of North Dakota will be supportive of the adjustments you make this session.”

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9:10 a.m.

The North Dakota Legislature’s special session has begun.

The state House convened at 9 a.m. and the Senate five minutes later. Gov. Jack Dalrymple is slated to address a joint session of the Legislature.

Dalrymple called the three-day session to address a $310 million shortfall due to depressed farm and commodity prices.

The governor is endorsing a bill crafted with GOP legislative leaders that would make further cuts to government agencies, skim profits from North Dakota’s state-owned bank and use a rainy day fund to make up the shortfall.

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8:15 a.m.

North Dakota lawmakers are back in Bismarck for a special session to address a budget shortfall.

An updated budget forecast predicted tax collections will continue to drop due to depressed oil and farm commodity prices. The forecast says the deficit will swell to $310 million if nothing is done by the time the current budget cycle ends June 30.

Republican Gov. Jack Dalrymple is endorsing a bill crafted with GOP legislative leaders that would make further cuts to government agencies, skim profits from North Dakota’s state-owned bank and use a rainy day fund to make up the shortfall.

Majority Republicans and the governor want to complete the session in three days, the minimum time needed to introduce and approve bills.

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