Rural North Dakota Issues a Priority for Group of State Lawmakers

Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg. Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

(By: Michael Achterling. North Dakota Monitor) – State Sen. Janne Myrdal likes to point out that everything North Dakota exports, from energy to food, starts from a gravel road.

That’s why she and other rural lawmakers banded together this session to share information on how they can better serve their communities.

The rural caucus, about 50 lawmakers from both chambers, amounting up to about a third of the total legislators, try to meet at least once a week to go over bills, their amendments and how they would affect rural constituents.

“Because we are split up into committees between the two chambers, you don’t have time to go and listen to other hearings. You trust your colleagues in those committees,” said Myrdal, R-Edinburg, co-chair of the unofficial caucus. “This rural caucus gives us an opportunity to share what’s actually going on and what we’re fighting for.”

Co-chair Rep. Jared Hagert, R-Emerado, said there was strong interest during the organizational session in December about forming the caucus to highlight rural priorities.