Jim Jonas

Throughout my service in the House and in leadership roles, I have remained committed to building strong relationships, listening thoughtfully, and putting West Fargo and North Dakota first. I believe deeply in serving my community. I currently serve on several boards, including the West Fargo School Board, West Fargo Educational Foundation, West Fargo Exchange Club, and West Fargo Events, which have strengthened my ability to collaborate, lead, and make informed decisions that benefit our community.

Tax Relief: Continue strengthening the primary residence tax credit to provide meaningful relief for North Dakota homeowners.

Public Safety: Ensure first responders have the resources, training, and equipment needed to effectively serve our communities, especially during the most critical moments.

Education: Support strong schools as the foundation of our society and economy, ensuring students are well-prepared for future success and workforce needs.

Opportunities: Continued advancement in agriculture through automation and precision technologies, such as initiatives like Grand Farm; energy development and innovation across oil, gas, and carbon capture; and growth in technology sectors, including unmanned aircraft systems and data centers.

Challenges: Volatility in agriculture markets with low commodity prices and high input costs; fluctuations in oil prices and the state’s reliance on energy revenue; and limited access to affordable childcare and housing, which impacts workforce attraction and retention.

Yes, I support the strategic use of state funding for programs that attract, develop, and retain talent across North Dakota. I have seen the positive impact of initiatives such as ND Career Builders and the Regional Workforce Impact Program in strengthening recruitment and workforce development. I also support expanding internship and apprenticeship opportunities to provide meaningful pathways for students and workers while meeting the needs of our employers.

Yes, I support the strategic use of state funds for economic development, including strong public-private partnerships. This includes investing in workforce training and leveraging tools such as state grants, revolving loan funds, and targeted tax incentives. Programs administered through the Department of Commerce and the Bank of North Dakota play an important role in supporting business growth and strengthening our workforce.

Continued legislative support for key housing programs is essential to meeting growing demand, including the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency to expand access to affordable financing. The First Home Program helps first-time buyers through lower interest rates and down payment assistance, making homeownership more attainable. The Common Bond Communities Land Trust model supports long-term housing affordability and sustainability through strong community partnerships. These tools, along with continued collaboration with local governments and private developers, can help address housing needs across Cass County and North Dakota.

I support continued investment in programs that expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare. This includes the Working Child Care Relief program, which helps share costs among parents, employers, and the state to reduce financial barriers. I also support the Grow Child Care Grants, which assist in starting or expanding licensed childcare programs in high-need areas. In addition, the North Dakota Development Fund provides important financing tools for new or growing childcare businesses. These efforts help strengthen the workforce, support families, and meet community needs across the state.

Yes, I strongly support the Red River Valley Water Supply Project. It is a critical investment in securing reliable water for municipal, industrial, and rural needs across central and eastern North Dakota. The project also strengthens long-term drought resilience, helping protect communities and the economy from significant potential losses, estimated at up to $33 billion over a 10-year period.

Yes, expanding infrastructure to deliver natural gas from the Bakken strengthens the state’s overall economy and energy reliability. It would provide Eastern North Dakota with a more secure and affordable energy supply, supporting both residential and commercial needs. The project also reinforces continued development in the Bakken by improving market access and supporting long-term growth in North Dakota’s oil and gas sector.