BIismarck – Gov. Doug Burgum Wednesday delivered his 2023-25 Executive
Budget Address to the 68th Legislative Assembly, presenting a strategic budget that includes
nearly $170 million to address the state’s workforce shortage, increased support for K-12
education and teacher salaries, and over $3 billion for roads, bridges, water projects and other
critical infrastructure – all while cutting individual income taxes to save taxpayers an estimated
$500 million over two years.
“Today, as we find ourselves in competition with every other state for attracting capital and
talent, we need a comprehensive, strategic budget that builds upon our competitive advantages,
supports families and communities, attracts and retains a thriving, healthy, well-educated
citizenry, and sets North Dakota up for long-term success in the realities of the 21st Century
economy,” Burgum said to a joint session of the Legislature, which met this week for its
organizational session before the regular session convenes Jan. 3.
“Our strategy-driven executive budget leverages investments in infrastructure, community and
economic development for the future and reduces taxes for workers while tackling our No. 1
barrier to economic growth, our workforce challenge,” he said.
The state’s financial position is strong and its reserves are full, with $718 million in the Budget
Stabilization Fund, a projected $1.1 billion unassigned in the Strategic Investment and
Improvements Fund (SIIF), over $1.4 billion expected in the general fund’s ending balance by
June 30, and an estimated $486 million in Legacy Fund earnings.