ND Legislature: That's a Wrap! The ND Legislature finished their work on April 27, 2019. There were a total of 905 bills and 79 resolutions introduced this session! Here's a quick update on a few of the bills we were following: SCR 4013: As a result of rural grocery stores closing, the ND Rural Grocer's Initiative worked to introduce a study resolution this year. Great Plains Food Bank is a member of the ND Rural Grocer's Initiative and were proud to support this resolution directing Legislative Management to study the issue of food access and distribution in rural communities across the state. SB 2124: Last session, the ND Legislature approved a plan to shift the costs of social services from the counties to the state, as a way to provide property tax relief. As a result of that plan and a correlating study to identify improvements in the current system, SB2124 was introduced and supported by the ND Department of Human Services. SB2124 passed and will redesign county social service offices into 19 administrative zones as way to improve culture and remove barriers to clients seeking services. HB 1174: Led by AARP, HB1174 would repeal the state income tax on Social Security benefits. ND was only one of 2 states that taxed Social Security at the full allowable rate. Now, nearly 30,000 people could claim the new reduction and save more of their benefits. Thanks to all of you who were involved and engaged throughout the session. Together, we made a difference! | |