Dakota Download Governor Burgum's Weekly Update - March 10, 2024

Burgum releases statement on President Biden’s State of the Union address

Gov. Doug Burgum issued the following statement regarding President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address Thursday.

“If the president truly wants immigration reform, it needs to start with immediately fixing the crisis at the southern border using the tools available to him,” Burgum said. “Waiting for Congress to fix the problem will only embolden the millions of migrants entering our country illegally and the violent cartels trafficking deadly drugs like fentanyl across the border – putting our national security at risk. The Biden administration’s misguided policies continue to weaken U.S. energy security and our economy. We should be embracing innovation over regulation and selling energy to our friends and allies, not buying it from our adversaries. And unity won’t come from the federal government injecting itself further into issues that are best left to the states to decide. We will continue to defend states’ rights and our freedoms from federal overreach, showing that America is at its best when we empower our citizens and get government out of the way.”

Miller highlights investments in infrastructure at NDDOT Transportation Conference

Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller on Tuesday delivered remarks at the NDDOT Transportation Conference, highlighting the state's substantial investment in infrastructure.

The theme of this year's conference was Moving North Dakota Forward. The two-day event featured multiple tracks of presentations, a vendor/sponsor exhibit hall for networking, an interactive showcase featuring equipment, demos and other hands-on resources, and sponsorship opportunities.

Miller shared her gratitude for the North Dakota Department of Transportation's work to maintain and keep motorists safe on the state's more than 8,500 miles of roadway and nearly 4,900 bridges, as well as provide services to more than 500,000 licensed drivers and over 1 million registered vehicles.

Miller noted that during since Gov. Burgum took office in 2016, more than $3 billion has been invested into North Dakota roads and over $655 million into bridges. North Dakota is ranked 2nd in the country for infrastructure by US News & World Report.

"We know that the future of North Dakota is bright, and the transportation services and infrastructure that we will need to meet demands are constantly being improved," Miller said.

The conference is held in partnership with the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute.

ND State Hospital clients donate handmade blankets to Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center

A group of clients from the North Dakota State Hospital (NDSH) donated over 20 handmade tie blankets to the Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) as part of their ongoing efforts to give back to the community while healing from their past.

The tie blanket project was initiated by state hospital team members when the DCAC moved onto the campus last year and hosted an open house to introduce its services and staff. The DCAC provides a safe and supportive environment for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and offers them a comfort item, such as a blanket to take home after their forensic interviews.

North Dakota State Hospital team members attended the open house and discussed the idea of having the state hospital clients make tie blankets for the advocacy center to give to children. Clients were enthusiastic about the project and eager to participate.

“Giving to others is a part of the healing process,” said Melanie Flynn, NDSH Treatment Unit director. “It can serve as a symbolic step toward righting past wrongs helping people move forward in their recovery.”

The NDSH clients worked together on each blanket for several months. They enjoyed going through the process and wanted to bring happiness to others. They also understand that they may have hurt others in the past and that they could not always make amends, so this is one way they can give back and make a positive difference.

“I enjoyed making the blankets and had a lot of fun doing so. I believe it was very rewarding and brought back a memory from when I was a child. The blanket to me represents warmth and security. Even as an adult, I still use a blanket when I get scared and of course to stay warm. I hope and pray these blankets keep the children warm and safe,” said a client from the state hospital who participated in the project.

The NDSH team presented their blankets to the DCAC on Monday, Feb. 26, in a gesture that demonstrated their generosity and compassion. The blankets will bring comfort and warmth to the children who receive them.

The tie blanket project is one of many community service projects that NDSH clients have undertaken. They have also crocheted and knitted hats for maternity wards in hospitals, made birdhouses for parks and recreation and sewn quilts for veterans.

The NDSH and the DCAC are proud of the tie blanket project and the positive impact it had on both clients and children. They hope to continue their collaboration and partnership in the future and to find more ways to support and empower each other and the Jamestown community.

North Dakota Travel Industry Conference coming to Fargo

The 2024 North Dakota Travel Industry Conference will take place April 8-10 at the Delta Hotel by Marriott in Fargo and promises to be bigger than ever.

With over 17 interactive sessions, 12 keynote speakers and one awesome celebration honoring leaders in travel and tourism – you’ll come away with steps you can implement right away to make your organization, attraction, or event legendary!

USAF Concert Band & Singing Sergeants Spring Tour comes to North Dakota

The U.S. Air Force Concert Band is coming to North Dakota for their spring tour. They will be performing April 4-6 in Bismarck, Jamestown and Fargo and all performances are free.

North Dakota is home to two Air Force bases in Minot and Grand Forks. The programs also recognize the retired and active military veterans from all branches of service along with their families during every event.

North Dakota continually ranks among the top states in military friendliness and is continually working to be the most military friendly state in the nation. In 2023, the state exempted military pay from state income tax, expanded tuition assistance for Guard members and cut red tape for military child care providers.

All the details about these free concerts and how to register for the tickets are on the Air Force Concert Band's website. Just click on the city and date. There is no ticket needed to attend.

Applications being accepted for Governor’s Band/Orchestra Program and Choral Program

Gov. Burgum is encouraging school, community and church bands, orchestras and choirs across North Dakota to apply to serve as the Governor’s Official State Band/Orchestra Program and Choral Program for the 2024-2025 school year.

The Governor and First Lady will select the Governor’s Band/Orchestra Program and Governor’s Choral Program from the applications received based on musical talent, achievement and community involvement. The governor may invite the band/orchestra and chorus to perform at official state functions held throughout the year, including the State of the State Address.

Interested groups should submit an application, references and a musical recording to the Governor’s Office by 5 p.m. Thursday, March 28. The Governor’s Band/Orchestra Program and Governor’s Choral Program will be announced in April and may be invited to perform at the Capitol in May 2024 and at events throughout the 2024-2025 school year. Please complete the application and provide materials at governor.nd.gov/governors-chorus-and-bandorchestra-program-application.

SAVE THE DATE: Governor's Summit on Innovative Education on June 17 at Bismarck State College