"It was a no-brainer": Burgum says Senate "squandered" tax relief proposal

(Bismarck, ND) -- North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum says not including an income tax proposal a "missed opportunity" after the special session ended.

The North Dakota Special Session officially wrapped up Wednesday without Governor Burgum's proposal to eliminate income tax for 50,000 filers. The impacted filers make less than $60,000 individually or $100,000 jointly.

Governor Burgum thanked the legislature for producing a fixed OMB bill that corrected the concerns highlighted in the State Supreme Court opinion, but says the State Senate squandered an opportunity to provide help to impacted filers. 

“This is a missed opportunity. Senators could have followed the House’s lead and deliver much-needed tax relief to North Dakotans struggling with high inflation. Instead, they squandered that opportunity and ensured this special session will be remembered for spending taxpayer dollars to fix a legislative mistake,” Burgum said. “Rather than provide $46 million a year in income tax relief and eliminate state income tax for an additional 50,000 filers, they left town without sending so much as a penny of relief to taxpayers despite our overflowing coffers. Hardworking, taxpaying North Dakotans deserved better.”

The bill passed in the House 71-19 on Tuesday, but failed after a Senate vote of 16-31. 

“This tax relief was a no-brainer: The citizens have the need, and we definitely have the resources. Current information shows our state’s financial position is stronger than ever,” Burgum said.

You can read Governor Burgum's official statement by clicking here.