Earlier this week the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down North Dakota’s pro-life “heartbeat bill” which would ban abortions after a baby’s heartbeat is detected in the womb. Those who are pro-abortion were quick to declare victory, deriding the passage of the law as a waste of time and money, but there are elements in…
Bette Grande: The Viability Of Viability
The 8th Circuit affirmed the US District Court Opinion that HB 1456 (the “Heartbeat Bill”) is unconstitutional. But the 8th Circuit was almost apologetic about having to affirm the lower court’s ruling. The full body of the Opinion is very positive for life and what we are doing in North Dakota. Here is the opening…
On Television: Gay Marriage, Polygamy, And The Confederate Flag
I was happy to be a part of Chris Berg’s weekly roundtable discussion on 6:30 Point of View this evening and, much as we have all week, we’ve discussed gay marriage and the confederate flag issue. The other panelists were Scott Hennen and former state lawmaker Bette Grande. Our most heated discussion, without a doubt,…
Bette Grande: Society In Shades Of Grey
It was interesting to watch the hype over the movie Fifty Shades of Grey coming out on Valentine’s Day. Ah, the romance. I personally did not read the book nor will I be going to the movie, but then I am particular about those things. It does bring me to think about the way we, as…
Bette Grande: On Revenues, North Dakota Has More Questions Than Answers
The ND Legislature released a revised revenue forecast last week. Expected revenues continue to be strong but the days of increasing money appear to be over, for now. Forecasting revenue 2½ years into the future is always a challenge, but in our current environment we simply do not know how current oil prices will affect…
Bette Grande: Uber Is Not The Problem
Earlier this month the Fargo Forum reported that the Fargo City Commission was considering a re-write of local taxi regulations which would have had a negative impact on Uber and other ‘ride-hailing’ companies. The City Commission wisely tabled the draft regulations and directed staff to write separate rules for ride-hailing companies. When traveling I use…
Bette Grande: North Dakota Teacher Pension's Unfunded Liability Is Worse Than You Think
Rob posted last week about a piece in The Forum that addressed the Teachers’ Fund for Retirement (“TFFR”). He was absolutely correct that there should not be a bailout of TFFR without serious reform of the program. The future of our public pension plans is an important debate and I spent much of my legislative…
Bette Grande: Time To Move On From The Endangered Species Act
Pictured above, President Richard Nixon signs the Endangered Species Act into law on December 28, 1973 The Keystone Pipeline continues to get the attention but there are other issues with a larger impact on our state. The Endangered Species Act, and how the Act is being used, should be a priority both in Bismarck and…
Bette Grande: The Legislature Is In Session, Time For Citizens To Engage
It was 1997 my first year in the North Dakota Legislature and a Bill came to the floor to complete the 4-lane on Highway 2 between Minot and Williston. The state’s economy was doing better, but times were still tough in western North Dakota. I voted in favor of the Highway 2 bill and that…
Is It About More Women In Politics, Or More Liberal Women In Politics?
The North Dakota Women’s Network is an organization which claims to want more women in politics for no other reason than they believe there aren’t enough women serving in public office. They’re celebrating the fact that there’s more women serving in the legislature this year than any other time is history. Which is a victory,…