ND lawmakers pledge to be cautious spenders

There’s a lot of money in the state’s checking account.

Some estimates show lawmakers will begin the 2023 Legislative Session with close to two billion dollars already in the bank.  The two new Majority Leaders in the Legislature say lawmakers will still have to be cautious in their spending decisions.

House Majority Leader Mike Lefor says it’s about smart decisions.  “When we look at the budget we have to make sure is it a one time project or something that will be ongoing.”

Senate Majority Leader David Hogue agrees.  “It’s not going to be something that has a recurring expense to it.  I think it will be a combination of tax relief…we will spend some…we have a lot of requests for building structures…maybe we might save some too.”

Gov. Doug Burgum presents his executive budget proposals to the Legislature in its December organizational session.

NDPPR/KNOX