February 22, 2013 Legislative Update

Click here for the updated Legislative tracking grid. We are nearing the time we call cross-over in the legislature. This is the time where all bills must be decided on one side of the legislature, whether the House or Senate, and passed along to the other side for consideration. As a result, there are not many hearings scheduled next week, but the calendars for floor votes is heavy.


A few items of note:


The bill that would have required drug testing of TANF recipients (1385), presuming all low income folks are criminals, has failed in the House today by a vote of 19-72.


Women and Children have not fared well in this Legislative Session. Right now there is one early childhood education bill that could use some support. Call your Senators and ask for a YES vote on 2229. Let’s get the Senate to do SOMETHING positive this year. 1-888-NDLEGIS (635-3447) or here.


Here is a nice editorial from the Fargo Forum.
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/390812/group/Opinion/
That clear message did not get through to a majority of the Senate Appropriations Committee that voted a do-not-pass recommendation for legislation to fund grants to enhance and expand preschool education. The vote suggests opponents of the bill could have used preschool education when they were kids.
Earlier this week, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler and Sen. Nicole Poolman, R-Bismarck, conducted a news conference in which they enthusiastically endorsed Senate Bill 2229, which seeks $4.7 million to fund the grants. Poolman is a sponsor of the bill, along with Sen. Judy Lee, R-West Fargo, Rep. Kathy Hawken, R-Fargo, Rep. Kathy Hogan, D-Fargo, Sen. Phil Murphy, D-Portland, and Rep. Nancy Johnson, R-Dickinson. There’s a companion bill in the House.
It’s good legislation that should have sailed through the Appropriations Committee. It won a unanimous do-pass in the Education Committee.
Also nearing,  is WE Rise.


Please free up your schedule to attend and register at: www.standupnd.org.


Just added to the schedule for March 11th is an opportunity to be a guest at the Governor’s Mansion hosted by the First Lady.  

Join us in Bismarck on
Monday, March 11th, 2013
to participate the 3rd biennial WE Rise: Women Empowered!
WE Rise: Women Empowered offers behind the scenes insight, meetings with local lawmakers, and training on how to lobby. March 11th will be a day filled with learning, listening and lobbying for policies that enhance and enrich the lives of women and families. WE Rise will highlight….
Freedom from Violence
Economic Security
Reproductive Health
Education


Bring a Friend to this Free Event!
Register Here!
The North Dakota Women's Network is sponsoring an advocacy training and a progressive women networking event on Sunday, March 10th. Only a few spots left, so register NOW.
Regardless of whether you are attending the full workshop on March 10th, you are free to join us for a networking social at 7pm on March 10th at the Kelly Inn in Bismarck. Legislators will be invited to that gathering.