Democrats are attacking Republicans for making cuts to the SNAP (food stamps) program which, in recent years, has reached record levels of spending. Part of that attack is an attempt to live off of a food stamps budget, which they claim can’t be done. To which I have two responses: First, it’s called the Supplemental…
Democrats: Kevin Cramer Isn't Hypocritical Enough To Be Like Kent Conrad
Rep. Kevin Cramer held a forum in Minot yesterday and got asked about budget matters. Rep. Cramer told citizens there that he actually agrees with some things former Senator Kent Conrad has said about entitlement reform: “The person that I have listened to, who has been most right on point, has been former senator Kent…
ND House Defeats Bill Requiring Drug Testing For Welfare Recipients
Rep. Dennis Johnson’s bill, HB1385, originally would have required drug testing for all recipients of public assistance. As I wrote yesterday, the bill got watered down over concerns about the legality of applying this to the SNAP (food stamps) program and privacy considerations in general. Today even that watered down version of the bill failed…
Drug Testing For Welfare Recipients Gets A "Do Not Pass" Recommendation From Committee
HB1385 is a bill introduced by Rep. Dennis Johnson which would require drug screening before applicants for public assistance in North Dakota can receive benefits. A very watered-down version of the bill got a 16-4 vote do not pass recommendation from the House Appropriations Committee (it got a narrow, 7-6 “do pass” recommendation from the…
Interview: ND Legislator Talks About Bill To Require Drug Testing For Welfare Recipients
HB1385 was introduced in the North Dakota State legislator earlier this week by Rep. Dennis Johnson. It would require drug testing for all recipients of TANF (welfare) and SNAP (food stamps) assistance. A first offense would deny the recipient benefits for a year. A second offense would deny benefits for three years. The welfare recipient…
ND Legislature Bills For Gun Control, Earlier Sunday Alcohol Sales, Drug Testing For Welfare Recipients
There were a lot of interesting bills introduced yesterday down at the legislature. Here’s a summary of what’s been introduced: Gun Control HB1415 and 1416, both introduced by Democrat Steve Zaiser, would make make high-capacity magazines/belt feeds, etc. illegal as well as so-called “assault weapons.” From HB1416, which doesn’t apply to the military or law…
Why Does North Dakota Need A 25% Increase In Human Services Spending?
North Dakotans have become used to stories, in the past few years, extolling the state’s booming economy. North Dakota has some of the fastest growing employment numbers, and lowest unemployment rates. Personal incomes in North Dakota are growing faster than anywhere else in the nation. Yet, according to Governor Jack Dalrymple’s executive budget recommendations, we…