Dist12&29-1Jamestown (CSi) District 12 and 29 state legislators presented an end of session wrap up discussion Monday evening at Jamestown City Hall, live on CSi 67.

Presented by the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Local-Regional Issues, Committee, legislators on hand included:

District 29

State Senator (R) Terry Wanzek

State Representative ( R ) Chet Pollert

State Representative (R) Craig Headland

District 12

State Senator ( D ) John Grabinger

State Represenative ( D ) Jessica Haak

State Representative ( R ) Alex Looysen

The moderator, Pam Phillips outlined the format which allowed audience members to ask  general questions to the overall panel for each reply to.  Questions came from residents of Jamestown, Valley City, Carrington,  and other nearby-by towns.

Opening  statements had each legislator give their view of the session.

Senator Wanzek pointed out income and property tax relief packages.

Senator Grabinger said it was a session of “missed opportunities,” in such areas of funding for substance abuse programs, and suicide prevetion, and addressing prison overcrowding.

Rep. Pollert indicated the session resulted in the corrections budget being increased.

Rep. Haak said the session had “peaks and valleys,” noting the passage of the family leave bill, addressing the stalking code, and additional funding to assist victims of human trafficking.

Rep. Headland said it was a great session foe conservatives, noting also expansion of early childhood education programs and the passage of tax relief.

Rep. Looysen  pointed to the accomplishments of funding public education at higher levels.

Each addressed the failure to pass the equal rights bill based on sexual orientation. regarding housing and workplace issues.   Sen. Grabinger co-sponsored the bill, which was supported by Rep. Haak. Each of the local Republican legislators voted against the bill.

Senator Wanzek explained the language in his bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Headland, concerning allowing corporate farming for dairy and hog farming, which became law, and may be referred to voters. Wanzek said if the law is referred, the entire issue of not allowing corporate farming in North Dakota may face a court challenge.

Other items addressed by the panel, some stemming from the audience, concerned the areas of the stabilization of oil extraction taxes, tax relief in lieu of dollars to fund programs, and funding for law enforcement, affordable housing funding,

Other issues were addressed and the discussion was shown on CSi Cable 67, followed by replays.