Hoeven: Legislature Funds Priorities Passes Comprehensive Tax Relief, Sets Strong Reserves For The Future
Press Release
Hoeven: Legislature Funds Priorities Passes Comprehensive Tax Relief, Sets Strong Reserves For The Future
Gov. John Hoeven today said the Legislature has passed important legislation to move North Dakota forward.
"Prior to the legislative session, we set ambitious goals, which included funding important priorities like K-12 and higher education, transportation, and an economic development package that will continue to fuel the growth and diversification of our economy," Hoeven said. "We also set out to pass meaningful, comprehensive tax relief for the people of North Dakota - and we did. Working together, we have fulfilled these goals, and at the same time, set aside a healthy reserve to ensure sustainability and growth into the future. We have put a solid plan in place that will raise the standard of living and improve the quality of life in our state." That plan includes:
* A historic $400 million comprehensive property and income tax relief package
* A landmark $1.35 billion transportation funding package that builds our infrastructure and helps cities, counties and townships recover from severe winter weather and flooding.
* Ambitious legislation for K-12 education that dramatically increases state support for schools by $290 million in state and federal funding.
* A comprehensive Higher Education bill that dramatically increases financial aid for students, builds campus infrastructure and improves campus equity funding.
* An aggressive economic development package that will continue to improve our business climate and create more, better jobs and careers.
* A far-sighted energy package, including provisions for wind, coal, biofuels and more.
* A public safety package that strengthens law enforcement and protects communities.
* A $2.3 billion package to take care of people - with increased funding for Home and Community Based Care, Nursing Homes, hospitals, childcare and other essential services.
* A healthy reserve of more than $700 million for the future.
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