April Jobs Report Falls Short of Estimates
The April Jobs Report was released on Friday. It fell short of the expert's predictions, revealing hiring letdowns and a rise in the unemployment rate.
This disappointing report is a result of the federal government incentivizing people to stay at home and seek enhanced unemployment benefits rather than finding a job, even as employers are actively looking for more workers. The solution is to let the economy fully reopen and help connect potential employees with employers; and if Congress is going to pass more spending bills to try to stimulate the economy, we should focus on infrastructure efforts which will create jobs and deliver the country a long-term benefit, not one-time handouts for nonproductive activity.
NDAREC, BSC Hold Ground Breaking Ceremony for Lineworker Training Center
I was honored to join a groundbreaking ceremony at the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) for its new Lineworker Training Center as part of a partnership with Bismarck State College.
As the son of a rural electric lineman, I have seen firsthand how important lineworkers are for North Dakota's communities, and the opportunities available to those who pursue a career in this industry. This facility will increase educational opportunities and help align our workforce's skills with the state's economic needs.
Biden Administration's Land Conservation Plan Threatens Property Rights
On Thursday Biden Administration released its land conservation plan, which includes a goal to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
Such an arbitrary goal could threaten people's private property rights and local control over land. North Dakotans have experienced enough attempted land grabs by the federal government already, and they understand conservation goals are best set by the local communities impacted by them, not by the bureaucracy in Washington. The last thing they need is the federal government increasing its footprint and getting more in their way.
Meeting with Community Banks Members
On Tuesday I enjoyed meeting in person with members of Independent Community Banks of North Dakota in my Bismarck office. We covered the impact of droughts on producers, providing fair access to banking and financial services, the importance of community banks in serving small farms and ranches, and the problems with over-regulation.
Guard and Reserve Members Can Use Tuition Assistance and GI Bill Benefits Concurrently
The Department of Defense announced National Guard and Reserve members will now be able to use federal tuition assistance and GI Bill benefits concurrently. These educational benefits help recruit new service members and allow our guardsmen to better themselves by advancing their education. It is excellent news for our Guard members in North Dakota.
Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Repeal of Incidental Take Rule
On Friday the Biden Administration proposed a rule to repeal the Trump Administration's Migratory Bird Treaty Act rule. This rule gave North Dakota companies much-needed certainty by clarifying that if birds died by accident in the course of otherwise lawful activity, the companies would not be federally punished, which the Obama Administration attempted to do because of its clear bias against the fossil fuel industry.
It's a shame this Administration wants to throw out such commonsense regulations. President Biden's team seems eager to pick up right where President Obama left off. North Dakotans should make their voices heard and let Biden Administration officials know about the problems their proposal would cause.
Meeting with National Retail Federation Encourages Bipartisanship
On Tuesday I met with members of the National Retail Federation as a part of Small Business Week. We discussed why bipartisanship is essential for reopening the economy, and how retailers can work together to address the problems they face.
American Heroes Honored During Military Appreciation Month
May is Military Appreciation Month. North Dakota carries an honorable and incredible military heritage. This month I join the nation in expressing my gratitude for the members of our military. We ought to thank them every day for their service.
Friday was also Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Military spouses make great sacrifices on behalf of our nation. America would not be what it is without them and all they do to enable our servicemembers. Thank you to all these American heroes!
Nation Thanks Our Educators
Teachers across North Dakota have worked with unprecedented resiliency this past year. On Tuesday we paused to honor Teacher Appreciation Day, ensuring their devotion and efforts are recognized and honored. Thank you to each of these heroes for shaping the next generation!
Grants for North Dakota
FEMA Awards North Dakota $8.9 Million for COVID Response
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $8,912,647.30 to the North Dakota Department of Health. The funds will go toward helping cover the costs of North Dakota's efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
HHS Awards $2.9 Million to UND for Rural Health and Social Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $2,960,221 to the University of North Dakota (UND).
The funds will be used to support a Rural Assistance Center and provide information on rural health and social services for residents in rural areas of the United States.
Contact Me
As recommended by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), our in-state offices are taking precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our staff members are available by phone or email and are taking in-person meetings by appointment only.
Bismarck
328 Federal Building
220 East Rosser Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-699-7020
Grand Forks
114 Federal Building
102 North 4th Street
Grand Forks, ND 58203
701-699-7030
Minot
105 Federal Building
100 First Street SW
Minot, ND 58701
701-837-6141
Fargo
306 Federal Building
657 Second Avenue N
Fargo, ND 58102
701-232-5094
Williston
125 Main Street
Suite #217
Williston, ND 58801
701-441-7230
Washington, D.C.
330 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
202-224-2043
Weekly Radio and TV Schedule
RADIO
What's On Your Mind with Scott Hennen
Fridays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. central
KFYR 550 AM - Bismarck
1100 The Flag - Fargo
KLTC 1460 AM - Dickinson
KTGO 1090 AM - Tioga
WDAY 970 AM - Fargo
The Jarrod Thomas Show
Thursdays from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. central
KNOX 1310 AM - Grand Forks
Rick Jensen
Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. central
KHND 1470 AM - Harvey
Jay Thomas
Every other Tuesday from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. central
WDAY 970 AM – Fargo
TELEVISION
Chris Berg - Point of View
6:30 p.m. central (Semi-Monthly)
Valley News Live - Fargo
Photo credit: North Dakota Tourism and the Office of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer
Credits:
Created with images by JonKline - "welder welding industry" • DenisDoukhan - "sunset sea sun"North Dakota Tourism