Just moments away here and the balcony is getting very crowded.
The band — from Berthold as it turns out — is playing folky and western things like Swanee River.
It’s gotten so crowded I’ve already officially kneed someone.
Gavel bang! The Senate is moving into the chamber.
Whole lot of standing up and stitting back down as officials enter.
The Jamestown choir is finishing up their song…
Hoeven has taken the podium, and gave thanks for the veterans and servicemen [2 standing ovations]
Hoeven leads with a bevy of positive economic news. Claim: ND moved up 12 places in per capita income. Foreign exports up 225%.
State of our state is strong [applause]
Real tax relief. [applause]
Budget plan:
$300 million property tax relief
$100 million income tax relief
$130 million in new K-12 funding
Property tax relief will help old ladies. [applause]
Nobody knows how best to spend money but the hardworking North Dakotans that earned them. [applause]
ND has been trying to fund 70% of K12 costs since 1983; reaching this goal is now within sight. Thanks a number of school/education officials. [applause]
Higher Education: $170 million for universities, including a new $40 million grant program for students with financial need.
STEM program for technical education. “Let’s make sure they [young people] have the tools to get the job done.” [applause]
Healthcare: SCHIP limit moving from 150 to 200 percent of poverty line. Mentioned some sort of daycare benefit. Some new seniors and long-term care program. “We must be there for them [seniors]” [applause]
A healthy populace will reduce the cost of healthcare. Medicaid reimbursement rates are going up, which will support hospitals.
Veterans’ bonuses and counseling services, new veterans home in Lisbon. [applause]
Economic Development: Targeted industries for development, reduced taxes and regulation, moved from 21st to 3rd “most competitive” state for business [applause]
North Dakota’s average income is 93% of the national average, an improvement.
Energy: promoted development of oil patch with beneficial tax and regulatory environments. Centre of Excellence for oil at Williston State College. mentioned coal, wind, ethanol, biodiesel, synthgas.
Exposits “clean” coal program — CO2 sequestration at Antelope Valley Station. Thanks Basin Electric CEO for efforts [applause] A new synthgas plant will be built near Dickinson.
New wind farms are spurring the development of more electric transmission capacity, including a new $5 billion line to Chicago. Syngas may be used for load balancing when wind power is no available.
Mentioned cellulosic ethanol. These are the kind of investments we need .. to be an energy powerhouse for the nation [applause]
Telecommuting is a new opportunity for our state, especially rural areas.
Microsoft’s Fargo office is already it’s second largest facility outside Seattle, and it is expanding. This is a result of our good climate for business [applause] Recognize MS Fargo leader [applause]
Running out of batt but will post more thoughts soon.
