Burgum statement on 2024 general election results
Gov. Doug Burgum issued the following statement regarding the results of Tuesday’s general election.
“Congratulations to President-elect Donald J. Trump on his historic win, and to North Dakota Gov.-elect Kelly Armstrong, U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, Congresswoman-elect Julie Fedorchak and all the statewide and legislative candidates on their victories,” Burgum said. “With President Trump headed back to the White House, Republican control of the U.S. Senate, a strong congressional delegation, GOP control of the Governor’s Office and Republicans maintaining a supermajority in the Legislature, North Dakota is well-positioned for continued growth and success. Voters have reaffirmed their support for the fiscally conservative principles and governance that continue to produce a healthy economy, plentiful jobs and prosperity for our citizens.”
“Tuesday’s election results have paved the way for continued significant progress on issues important to North Dakotans and all Americans, including border security, tax relief, growing the economy, backing our military and law enforcement, supporting farmers and ranchers, and strengthening national security by unleashing U.S. energy production so we can sell energy to our friends and allies instead of buying it from our adversaries,” Burgum added. “North Dakota’s energy, agriculture and technology economy is poised to thrive in the coming era where private sector innovation, not overreaching government regulation, is seen as the key to solving our biggest challenges and realizing our fullest potential.”
NDDOT’s Name-a-Plow contest is back
For the fourth year in a row, the North Dakota Department of Transportation is calling on North Dakotans to put on their creative thinking caps and submit their cleverest, punniest and most imaginative snowplow name ideas!
Contest rules:
- Names submitted should be appropriate and limited to 15 characters or fewer.
- If the same name is submitted by multiple people, the first entry will be considered.
- Names may be submitted by groups (schools, nursing homes, etc.), but a contact name must be included.
- Winners will be contacted by email or phone in mid-December.
- Winning plow names from previous years will keep their names, so check out the list below and come up with something new!
The last day to submit name ideas is Friday, Nov. 15. Visit dot.nd.gov/name-a-plow for more information and to submit an idea.
While we’re preparing to name our plows, let’s not forget to prepare for winter driving. Here are a few tips to keep you safe on North Dakota’s winter roads:
- Slow down: Reduce your speed on snowy or icy roads. It gives you more control and more time to react if the unexpected happens.
- Leave room: Keep a safe following distance from other vehicles, especially snowplows. They’re often driving slower and kicking up snow that limits visibility.
- Stay informed: Check road conditions before heading out. The ND Roads app offers real-time information on road conditions, closures and incidents making it easier to plan your route safely. Download it from your app store today!
So, put on your winter thinking caps, North Dakota! Stay safe on the roads and may the best names “plow” through the competition!
North Dakota’s Legacy Fund is a sovereign wealth fund designed for long-term prosperity
Passage of Measure #3 means more long-term investments, increased fund earnings
The Legacy Fund, North Dakota’s sovereign wealth fund, is a strategic asset dedicated to securing long-term financial stability that will allow North Dakotans to benefit from the state’s natural resources for generations to come. With the passage of Measure #3, the fund’s potential is even greater because more dollars can be invested long-term.
“The Legacy Fund was created to provide financial stability and deliver sustained economic benefits for North Dakotans,” said Rep. Glenn Bosch, vice chair of the Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board. “With the passage of Measure #3, we can consider more long-term investment that have the potential to increase the fund’s earnings. These increased earnings would provide additional dollars that can be used for tax relief, infrastructure, and other in-state projects.”
Since its inception, the Legacy Fund has grown to $11 billion by allocating 30% of North Dakota’s oil and gas tax revenues into carefully chosen investments. Unlike pension funds, which prioritize immediate liabilities and payout obligations, the Legacy Fund’s investments are allocated like a traditional sovereign wealth fund, focusing on sustainable and long-term growth that ensures resilience through economic cycles and preserves wealth for future generations.
Measure #3 reduced the amount of Legacy Fund principal that legislators could access from 15% to 5% during any single two-year budget cycle. To support the 15% legislative access, the fund has a high allocation to liquid investments. Liquid investments are investments that can be sold quickly. Reducing legislative access to 5% of the principal allows more of the fund to be invested in long-term assets, that have the potential to provide higher earnings over time. A study conducted by RVK, a legacy fund advisory board consultant, projected passage of the measure could increase fund earnings by $30 million in the first year.
“The Legacy Fund’s investment strategy requires a prudent, diversified portfolio that supports the financial interests of North Dakota while also favoring, where feasible, investments with a positive impact on the state’s economy,” said Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller, State Investment Board (SIB) chair.
The legacy fund advisory board, in coordination with the SIB, develops and recommends changes to the Legacy Fund’s asset allocation. The SIB is responsible for the administration of the investment program with the Retirement and Investment Office (RIO) coordinating the activities.
To ensure it benefits the people of North Dakota, the Legacy Fund’s asset allocation prioritizes investments that maximize returns; it also adheres to strict investment guidelines.
“The Legacy Fund’s asset allocation is thoughtfully designed to align with the fund’s unique revenue sources and spending needs. This commitment to North Dakota’s future reflects our dedication to growth and stability,” said Jan Murtha, RIO executive director.
Over the past three bienniums, the Legacy Fund has transferred more than $1.8 billion in earnings to North Dakota’s general fund to finance a portion of state projects and provide tax relief. In June 2025, RIO will transfer an additional $601 million in earnings to the general fund. The state legislature determines how the fund earnings are spent.
For more information, please visit RIO’s website.
Burgum to present Steve D. Scheel with Rough Rider Award on Nov. 26 at Fargo SCHEELS store
Gov. Burgum announced the date and location of the ceremony to present the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award to Steve D. Scheel, board chairman emeritus of the popular Fargo-based sporting goods, apparel and footwear retailer SCHEELS.
The ceremony will take place at 8 a.m. Nov. 26 at the Fargo SCHEELS store at 1551 45th St. S. in Fargo. Space is limited on a first-come, first-serve basis, and those planning to attend are asked to RSVP at scheels.com/roughriderawards.
Burgum announced Scheel as the 50th recipient of the Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens, on Oct. 11. North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe and State Historical Society Director Bill Peterson both concurred with Burgum’s selection of Scheel for the Rough Rider Award.
Under Scheel’s leadership, the employee-owned company grew to more than 13,000 associates and 34 stores in 16 states. He also embraced and expanded the company’s tradition of being a major philanthropic partner to nonprofits, charitable organizations and communities.
- WHAT: Presentation of Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award to Steve. D. Scheel
- WHEN: 8 a.m. CT Tuesday, Nov. 26; doors open for attendees at 7:15 a.m. with a light reception
- WHERE: Fargo SCHEELS store, 1551 45th St. S., Fargo
The ceremony will be livestreamed on the Governor’s Office website.
DEQ named lead agency for managing Climate Pollution Reduction Grant
Gov. Burgum has designated the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality as the lead agency for managing the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The DEQ received $3 million in federal grants to develop two key plans: the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), completed in March 2024, and the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), due by Dec. 1, 2025.
The resulting Climate Action Plan will outline innovative strategies aimed at reducing emissions while supporting vibrant communities across the state.
If your business is operating in any of the following sectors, we encourage you to take the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategies Survey by Friday, Nov. 22.
Reasons to Take the Survey:
- Funding Opportunities: Participants may gain access to funding opportunities specifically designed to support greenhouse gas reduction projects. Your input can help identify and prioritize funding for initiatives that will benefit your operations.
- Showcase Your Efforts: This is your chance to showcase the innovative practices and efficiencies your company is already implementing. Highlighting your efforts can enhance your reputation and attract potential partners or customers.
- Share Your Plans: By participating in this survey, you can help shape North Dakota's Climate Initiative Plan and position your company as a proactive leader in emissions reduction. Your insights will contribute to a North Dakota-driven strategy that reflects local needs and priorities.
For more information, please visit deq.nd.gov/sustainability.
Public invited to send ornaments for North Dakota State Christmas Tree
The Office of the First Lady invites artists and craftspeople to provide handmade ornaments for the North Dakota State Christmas Tree. The tree will be on display in Memorial Hall at the state Capitol starting with a tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 5.
Submitted ornaments can vary from traditional to contemporary arts. Items that are commercially produced or made from kits are not eligible. This year’s theme, "Branches of Hope," is inspired by First Lady Kathryn Burgum’s initiative to end the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction. Just as a tree’s branches extend outward, the theme symbolizes how hope reaches everyone impacted by addiction. Ornaments may reflect personal recovery journeys, support systems or community resources, showcasing how hope branches out in many meaningful ways. Designers are also free to create ornaments in any shape or medium of their choosing.
Each ornament should include the name of the person entering it, their email address and a brief one- or two-line description of the ornament, including the art form used and the special circumstances through which it was created, such as a class or senior center project.
Ornaments must be received in the Office of Management and Budget office no later than Dec. 4. The ornaments become the property of the Office of the First Lady and may be hung on the state tree in ensuing years. Mail ornaments to State of North Dakota, Office of Management and Budget, Julie Strom, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, N.D. 58505.
Gov. Burgum and the first lady encourage the public to join them for holiday readings, music and carols at the annual North Dakota State Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in Memorial Hall at the Capitol.
2024 Governor’s Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism Now Open
The North Dakota Governor's Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism is back, inviting residents to capture the beauty and excitement of our state for a chance to win cash prizes and statewide recognition. This year’s contest is a partnership between the Governor's Office, AAA of North Dakota, North Dakota Tourism and the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
“North Dakota is a state of extraordinary beauty and diverse experiences, and this photo contest is a wonderful opportunity for residents to showcase what makes our state special,” Gov. Burgum said. “We encourage everyone to participate, capture the magic of our seasons, and share their unique perspectives with the world. Let’s celebrate North Dakota’s beauty together and inspire others to discover our great state.”
This year's theme highlights North Dakota's diverse seasons, showcasing the unique appeal of our state throughout the year. Photographers can submit entries in eight categories:
- Winter Scenery & Winter Activities
- Fall Scenery & Fall Activities
- Spring Scenery & Spring Activities
- Summer Scenery & Summer Activities
The contest is open to all North Dakota residents. Photographers can submit their entries online through Instagram, the contest website, or Flickr, or by mail. The deadline for entries is Jan. 31, 2025.
Winners will be chosen in each category, with a grand prize winner receiving an additional cash prize and a free AAA membership. Winning photos will also be displayed in the State Capitol and used in promotional materials.
Full details and contest rules can be found at https://www.ndtourism.com/governors-photo-contest-entry.