Note from GNDC CEO & President: It's a Terrible Way to Start the 69th Assembly

It’s early in the session, but our CEO has serious concerns about a recurring pattern we've started to notice. Read on.
 
DEAR GNDC MEMBERS
 
As this legislative session unfolds, we are alarmed with the trend of bills being introduced and conversations that we have had. There is a real threat to erode North Dakota’s competitive business climate. We are referring to incremental cost increases to our Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI) system and proposed healthcare mandates—a 2% premium increase here, an insulin or scan mandate there —these quickly add up, creating a “death by a thousand cuts” for businesses. These changes, while addressing serious issues, fail to offer long-term solutions and instead shift costs onto the private sector, sending the wrong message to job creators.
 
We know our members are the foundation of North Dakota’s economy, providing jobs, supporting communities, and ensuring a stable tax base. Policies that burden businesses with unchecked mandates jeopardize the growth and prosperity we’ve worked hard to build. We are sickened to see proposals mirroring Minnesota’s workers’ compensation policies. Results will be significant premium increases that ripple across industries, impacting every single business in the state.
 
Over the next couple of days, GNDC will provide a detailed breakdown of two critical areas, WSI and health insurance mandates. These trends affect every industry and every business in North Dakota—and they demand immediate attention. Legislators must recognize the gravity of their decisions. Our future depends on it. We urge all members to remain vigilant and engaged as we face these challenges together.
 
Sincerely,
Arik Spencer
President & CEO, Greater North Dakota Chamber


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