North Dakota State Representative District 45 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
District 45 Democratic-NPL
Campaign Email
donlippertnd45@gmail.com
Campaign Phone Number
701-412-1985
What are your top priorities?
My top priorities are making sure that students in public schools across the state are prepared for any kind of career they choose whether that involves a 4 year college or not. I also want to focus on coming up with solutions to address the housing shortages we are facing across the state that don't just look like more apartments, but also include affordable houses. I believe we must look at the problems facing the state with an open mind and fresh eyes because the status quo isn't cutting it.
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
I would look for ways for ways to continue to expand Telehealth options as well as working with hospitals to expand their abilities to get specialty health practitioners to travel to satellite locations, rather than requiring patients to travel hundreds of miles for care. I would also look at increasing the number of drugs that have copayment caps, focusing on drugs commonly used by children and elderly who are on fixed incomes.
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
Often times, we talk about affordable housing only in terms of apartments with income based rent. I would change this to approach it with both apartments, but also include incentive programs for municipalities and builders to create neighborhoods of smaller single family houses to provide an entry level option available to families because I believe kids deserve some green space that apartments often don't provide.
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
I am completely opposed to it. The greatness of public schools comes from the diversity found within. Non-public educational institutions are discriminatory by nature in that they can choose who they do and do not let in, and therefore they should not be eligible for public funds. If they want their schools to be exclusive, then their funding should be exclusively private in nature.
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
I appreciate and support all of the current voting options, however I believe they could be improved upon. I believe we should expand early voting options and drop off locations for absentee and mail-in voting. Given the overall rural landscape of North Dakota, I have significant concerns with the recent push from the Federal Government to restrict mail-in voting, so I do think we should look into alternative methods of rural voting so we are prepared, should the need arise.
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 the federal government's role regarding states' rights is to protect a state's rights to govern in a manner that fits their needs, so long as the State doesn't infringe on the civil rights of its citizens. I believe there is a number of imbalances that are playing out currently, but the most concerning is the proposed legislation to federalize election law. States need to retain the right to set the rules of their elections to fit their needs.
Biographical Information
Endorsements
District 45 - Dem-NPL
Website
http://rosslockhart.com
Campaign Email
ross@rosslockhart.com
Instagram
http://www.instagram.com/farmer.rossco/
Campaign Phone Number
701-484-2516
What are your top priorities?
My first priority would be focused on helping lower the cost of living for North Dakota’s residents. Second, our public schools are facing significant budget deficits as a result of cuts to federal programs and funding caps imposed by the state legislature. I will fight to ensure our public schools have the resources they need to educate our children. Finally, we need common-sense regulations related to land-use and AI data centers.
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
I firmly believe that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right. Good health shouldn’t depend on where you live, what job you hold, or how much is in your checking account. Our goal should be a healthcare system that is reliable, affordable, and focused on better outcomes for patients. I support strengthening consumer protections for medical debt, making employer insurance more affordable by limiting out-of-pocket expenses, and investing in rural healthcare facilities.
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
As many municipalities in North Dakota wrestle with the challenge of increasing the supply of affordable housing options, we must first evaluate the current incentive structure for producing housing units. Some cities are experimenting with zoning reforms to enable the production of more multi-family starter homes on lots that are zoned for single-family homes. If some of those units are required to be affordable subsidized housing, the state has a role to play in facilitating those reforms.
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
I oppose any effort to divert public funds away from public education. Public schools have always been the heart of North Dakota communities, and I believe they deserve steady, dependable support. A strong public education system is one of the greatest investments we can make in our children, our workforce, and the future of our state.
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
Early voting and the ability to request an absentee ballot are useful tools for increasing turnout in our elections. We should not lose sight of the fact that not all voters have the ability to jump in a car and drive to a polling location on election day, especially those living in rural areas. Making alternative options available is not only good public policy, it improves the health of our democracy.
What is the role of the federal government regarding states’ rights, and are there currently any areas where you believe there is an imbalance?
Our system of government is organized around the idea of forming a more perfect union. To that end, we must endeavor to enact laws that improve the daily lives of people living and working in North Dakota. While I certainly could point to several instances where I believe the federal government has overstepped its authority, I think it better to focus on ways we can work together, such as improving healthcare affordability, renewing the farm bill, and enforcing anti-trust legislation.
Biographical Information
What are your top priorities?
Support for law enforcement and safe communities
Healthcare and insurance reform
Energy and a strong grid across the state
Continued property tax reform
Affordable housing
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
I think it is time to look at health insurance reform and the way the PBMs are allowed to keep rebates and vouchers meant for patients.
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
I think tax incentives could work for new affordable housing much like incentives for new businesses. I think a longer term on new home tax incentives would help many people secure affordable housing. Perhaps a 5 year incentive would be effective.
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
Public funds are a result of taxes paid by our citizens, many of which are parents of students. Our public schools receive over $11,000 per student. I believe that there could be a program to allow parents who qualify based on need to apply for a small grant for education of their child in the private school realm. I support what is best for the child. While we have excellent public schools in ND and dedicated teachers, some students may do best in a small setting with a different ratio.
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
North Dakota has been proactive in executing a secure voting process. I support early voting to assure access for our voters. I believe that we have efficient and secure methods in North Dakota.
What is the role of the federal government regarding states’ rights, and are there currently any areas where you believe there is an imbalance?
The federal government and states must work together to pass laws that benefit the states more than foreign countries.
I believe the federal deficit is an area that must be addressed.
Biographical Information
Campaign Email
wagnerforndhouse@gmail.com
Campaign Phone Number
(701)799-2880
What are your top priorities?
As a member of House Appropriations and Vice-Chair of Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review, my top priority is protecting taxpayers by ensuring efficient use of tax dollars. I’ll also focus on pro-growth initiatives that help strengthen our economy, invest in public safety to keep our communities safe, and support critical infrastructure needs. We need to deliver top-notch services to our citizens. But we also need to look for areas to improve and chart North Dakota’s course for future success.
How would you ensure that North Dakotans’ healthcare costs are affordable?
I believe the state’s role in health care should be to help keep costs down by promoting choice and competition, not by expanding the size of our bureaucracy. North Dakota doesn’t have control over many areas of the health care system, but as a state we can help provide targeted legislation that has a real impact on the citizens of North Dakota. As an example, I was proud to have the opportunity to cosponsor HB1216 this past session dealing with co-pay accumulators.
How would you address the housing needs of the state?
A major cost related to new housing is initial upfront infrastructure. This is an area where the state could work with local governments to help offset some of those costs. Additionally, housing affordability includes the ongoing costs associated with home ownership. During this past session, we delivered meaningful property tax relief, helping lower costs to homeowners and making it easier for people to stay in their homes.
What is your position on allowing public funds to be directed to non-public education?
North Dakota has the ability to support our states public schools and still recognize families sometimes need educational options for their children. I have always supported maintaining strong, stable funding for North Dakota's public K-12 education. However, it's my belief that we can allow parents targeted educational choice without creating negative impacts on North Dakota's public educational system.
What are your views on the current voting methods and access to voting in North Dakota?
As a former Cass County Commissioner, I've seen firsthand the excellent job our local election staff do in managing elections. Voters have multiple ways of casting their ballot, including absentee, early voting and day of election options. Local officials also receive strong training and support from our Secretary of State’s Office. This partnership helps ensure our states elections are secure, transparent, and consistent.
What is the role of the federal government regarding states’ rights, and are there currently any areas where you believe there is an imbalance?
As an energy producing state, North Dakota has the expertise in managing its natural resources. We need to ensure the federal government works in partnership with our state in order to protect North Dakota jobs and tax revenue. We also need to protect our states water resources. Initiatives like the Red River Valley Water Supply Project, which will deliver Missouri River water to central and eastern North Dakota is of critical importance.