North Dakota State Representative District 33 Choose 2
The North Dakota State House consists of 94 representatives, who meet in regular legislative sessions to make our state laws and set our state budget. Learn more at ndlegis.gov.
Biographical Information
Endorsements
North Dakota Democrat NPL Party
Campaign Email
banksk.1949@gmail.com
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/BanksforND/
Campaign Phone Number
4056708374
What are your top priorities?
I want to see the legislature address such basic issues healthcare, education, affordable housing and day care, property tax, corporate tax breaks especially for foreign corporations or those from outside the state, open records, issues our farmers and ranchers are facing such as those resulting from increased costs due to the tariffs and the push for construction of data centers in rural areas, and issues that increasingly affect our daily lives.
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
Have the legislature expand Medicare and Medicaid. The legislature should also enact measures to attract doctors and nurses to North Dakota, especially rural areas experiencing a decrease in the access good healthcare, especially with respect to rural hospitals. One possibility is to use Legacy Fund money to reduce health care costs and ensure all North Dakota citizens have access to good and affordable healthcare and healthcare facilities.
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
North Dakota needs more affordable housing for low income families and first-time homeowners. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the younger generation to afford to own a home. One possible solution is for the legislature to offer tax incentives for construction of affordable housing and for the Bank of North Dakota to offer low-interest mortgages for first-time homeowners.
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
I oppose vouchers for non-public education; public funds should be spent on public schools. Current funding is not sufficient to support public schools and adequate pay for teachers. North Dakota needs to prepare our students, most of whom attend our public schools, • for the future, especially for where the jobs will be. Offering vouchers for non-public education will take away from that need, thereby reducing the ability of public schools to prepare its students for the future.
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
I support the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota. All citizens should have access to voting. I oppose any attempt by the President or Congress to limit the ability of eligible citizens to vote. Article I of the Constitution leaves the decisions of time, places, and manner of holding elections up to the states. The the Administration and Congress need to respect the right of citizens to free and fair elections.
What is the role of the federal government regarding states’ rights, and are there currently any areas where you believe there is an imbalance?
I believe in the 10th amendment to the Constitution: The powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited by the Constitution, are reserved to the States. Cutting federal programs and the associated workforce that serve the people has created a reverse imbalance. If those programs are to continue, such as Medicaid, states must decide whether to assume them. If not, citizens suffer. Since the federal government no longer supports them, states are left holding the bag.
Biographical Information
What are your top priorities?
My stated priorities are low tax rates, enhancing educational opportunities, and expanding energy development and careers. A significant portion of my professional life has been devoted to these areas. I'll add that my interests and ability to contribute extend far beyond these areas. I'm in this race to help legislate all of the issues important to District 33 and the State of North Dakota.
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
Although broad healthcare costs are primarily a Federal issue, there are a few key things that the legislature can do to lower healthcare costs or reduce cost increases. The biggest immediate initiative is the management of $200 million Federal rural healthcare grant. I was supportive of using these funds to expand rural heath care both in facility and telehealth.
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
The tools that are available to the state legislature begin with passing bills that support economic opportunities and lower taxes for residents. These actions help combat the inflationary pressures that are out of our control. More efficient zoning and permitting process support affordability as well. Programs to incentivize or even finance entry level housing construction should be considered as well.
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
I am generally not in favor of many of the previously proposed school voucher programs. I fully support a families right to choose how and where they educate their children, but the reality is that most of the members of our future generation will be educated in the public school system and it is therefore society's responsibility to fund those programs appropriately.
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
I believe that the current voting methods are largely adequate. To me this does not seem to be a major issue in District 33 or the state in general. I have no recommended changes to the voting methods available in the state, but would certainly be willing to listen to the concerns of citizens.
What is the role of the federal government regarding states’ rights, and are there currently any areas where you believe there is an imbalance?
I wholeheartedly believe in the principle that problems are generally best solved at the lowest possible level of government. Although admittedly, this principal breaks down in some instances. Under the previous administration the federal government over-extended it's authority in several spaces including energy, education, healthcare, and others. I am encouraged by the current administrations progress in reversing this trend.
Biographical Information
What are your top priorities?
Healthcare, education, business issues and industry issues
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
Too complicated issue for just one solution from just one person
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
Must be done town by town, according to each town’s needs
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
That is a no
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
We need more polling stations per district, more poll workers and more education of the public
What is the role of the federal government regarding states’ rights, and are there currently any areas where you believe there is an imbalance?
I feel strongly in states ‘ rights, feds should stay out of voting laws and regulations
Biographical Information
What are your top priorities?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What is the role of the federal government regarding states’ rights, and are there currently any areas where you believe there is an imbalance?
Candidate has not yet responded.