GNDC Legislative Roundtable Recap

The Legislative Roundtable held on December 12, 2024, provided a strategic overview of the upcoming legislative session, slated to begin in January and conclude in early May. This year’s session anticipates over 1,400 bills, a marked increase from previous sessions, and will address critical issues shaping North Dakota’s future.
 
KEY HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS
 
GNDC Legislative Preparation and Policy Development:

• GNDC shared a three-pronged approach to policy development process encompassing research/surveys, collaborative outlooks, and council insights.
• Input was gathered from 71 members representing diverse organizations, emphasizing infrastructure funding, workforce solutions, and business climate priorities.
• Advocacy for pro-business policies and new industry opportunities, such as creative solutions and economic development, was a central theme to push for pro-business legislation.

The GNDC Policy Positions Publication is now available here.
 
Additionally, 3 panel discussions were showcased between partners, legislators, and government agencies.

Panel Themes and Discussion Points:
Workforce Development and Housing Initiatives:

• Proposals included a scholarship program for apprenticeships, focusing on trades and expanding into healthcare and education.
• Plans to allocate $200 million to the Housing Incentive Fund were highlighted as essential to addressing the housing shortage which is impacting workforce attraction and retention.
• Strategies emphasized reducing regulatory barriers and enhancing local workforce retention.

Tech and Cybersecurity:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace and its implications for future legislative sessions were explored.
• A call to bolster cybersecurity and stress the importance of consumer data privacy was shared.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Panelists underscored the need for community and civic engagement and support programs that utilize untapped labor pools.
• Continued dialogue with legislators and collaborative planning were identified as key to achieving shared goals. 

GNDC applauds our event sponsors including premier sponsor HealthPartners with ONEOK (partner sponsor) and Adolfson and Peterson (supporting sponsor).
 
Available slidedecks or resources from presenters:
-Todd Domres (DCN/TechND)
-Phil Davis (JSND)
-Dave Flor (NDHFA)
-Greg Hoffman (NDIT)
-Tony Ambrose (Nexus Innovations)
 
Upcoming Member Events specific to the legislative session include:
Mar 6: Halftime Report
Mar 17: Social (with EDND and AGC)
Jun 5: Session Recap