BISMARCK, N.D. (March 19, 2018) – Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement after the North Dakota Supreme Court Monday heard arguments in a lawsuit brought by the state Legislature challenging the governor’s veto authority related to vetoes issued at the end of the 2017 legislative session.

“We appreciate the opportunity to present our case to the Supreme Court and look forward to a ruling that resolves this lawsuit initiated by a small group of legislators at significant cost to taxpayers,” Burgum said. “We stand behind the original intent of these vetoes, which was to preserve the separation of powers and protect executive branch authority. What began as an unnecessary lawsuit has evolved into an opportunity for the court to answer an important constitutional question. A key underpinning of democracy is our system of checks and balances, and we’re defending the governor’s veto authority as an essential check on spending to ensure taxpayer dollars are used as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

 

The Supreme Court took the case under advisement and will issue its opinion at a later date.