Greg Stemen

I have served in leadership roles at the local level; from city council, to local boards for nursing homes and dollars for scholars, to state boards for the North Dakota Veterans Home and the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. The three sessions I have already served in the North Dakota State House of Representatives has allowed me to serve on policy committees for Industry Business and Labor as well as Government and Veterans Affairs, and now as Vice Chair of the Human Resources section of House Appropriations.

We will continue to address lowering of taxes on individuals and homeowners. Working to get a pipeline for Natural Gas transmission to the eastern side of the state to benefit oil production out west and end-user needs in the east; this allows us to monetize North Dakota resources within our state. Working to find a way to manufacture fertilizer in our state to reduce costs for our producers.

We need to continue to make North Dakota the most business friendly state in the country. It is important to continue to maximize our oil production through effective use of Natural Gas and through Enhanced Oil Recovery so we can maximize production and revenue that benefits all ND citizens.

I absolutely support those investments that are adequately vetted and show previous proof of concept. Smart investment is based on due diligence and smart timing. We need to invest wisely, not necessarily quickly.

As stated in my previous answer, due diligence and proper vetting must take place. In certain instances, it is wise to incentivize and the proper level of incentives needs to be a topic of discussion; based on ROI, need and value provided back to the communities.

The fact that starter homes are now costing in excess of $250k, on the low end, is a difficult starting point. Proper education as to understanding infrastructure costs, especially in the form of special assessments, needs to be top of mind for home buyers. Property tax exemptions must be factored into the long term affordability for new home buyers as well. Some things can be implemented that don’t require legislative involvement.

Effective implementation of current North Dakota policies and investment must continue. North Dakota’s workforce issues, in some ways, are directly tied to the affordability of high quality child care and early education. Proper use of existing investment can take place without a complete overhaul of existing policy. Working on getting adequate information out to those who aren’t aware of existing progams, should be top of mind.

The Red River Water Supply project is an absolute priority for the eastern side of North Dakota. Continuing to fund this project is one of North Dakota’s top priorities, It will positively impact well over 50% of the state’s population, should our region experience serious drought conditions, The state legislature has been very supportive of this project and people need to appreciate and acknowledge that support.

It is an absolute necessity in order to allow our wonderful state to maximize and monetize one of the most plentiful natural resources available in North Dakota. Getting natural gas to the rest of the state will help solidify North Dakota’s economic future for years to come.