Republican
Kyle Davison
Running for: District 41
North Dakota | Senate
Endorsements (3 Max): District 41 Republicans
Candidate Questionnaire
What motivated you to run for the North Dakota Legislature? (100 words max)
I've been serving as State Senator from District 41 for the past 12 years. I decided to run again because we need to continue to get more money back in the pockets of District 41 residents and the Cass County businesses. To make this happen we need to work on additional property tax reductions, making childcare more affordable & accessible, adjusting our state income tax rates, and continue to find ways to improve our business climate.
What personal, professional, or community experiences have best prepared you to serve as a State Legislator? (100 words max)
My service as the current State Senator from District 41 is the best experience to be prepared to get things done for the residents of District 41. In addition, my nearly 25 years working in K-12 education and the State University System provides me the insight and relationships to get resources to these systems to support and strengthen our workforce system. I also serve on the Cass County Human Service Zone Advisory board and as a board member at Soul Solutions Recovery. This work has provided me a greater understanding of our challenges so I can better advocate in the Legislature for those struggling economically, behaviorally, or dealing with addiction.
If elected, what would be your top three priorities for the State of North Dakota, and why? (100 words max)
My three top priorities would be; 1) maintain and/or increase our investment to reduce property taxes 2) build on our nearly 70 million dollar investment we've made to make childcare more affordable and accessible
3) Continue to be a strong fiscal hawk by identifying government programs that can be reduced or cut because they aren't producing any identifiable results. Simply put, being more fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars and looking for ways to get more money back in their pockets.
Looking ahead five years, what do you see as the most significant opportunities and challenges facing North Dakota? (100 words max)
The most significant challenge we have is our reliance on oil tax revenue to balance our budget. When you look at long term projections the oil tax revenue will decline as production declines. North Dakota has many opportunities to invest and diversify it's economy by utilizing its unique resources in agriculture, energy and it's high quality workforce. This includes investing in research and creating stronger relationships with NDSU, UND, and the private sector. Finally, continuing to find ways to improve our business climate to make North Dakota a top 5 business destination.
Do you support the use of state funding for programs and initiatives aimed at attracting, developing, and retaining talent throughout North Dakota? Please explain. (100 words max)
Over the past 12 years in the Legislature, we've supported state funding for programs aimed at attracting, developing, and retaining talent. North Dakota has been especially aggressive in recruiting healthcare workers. The key to continuing this investment is to have data that shows the success of these investments.
Do you support the use of state funding for economic development, such as incentives, tax credits, and other programs to support business retention, attraction and expansion? Please explain. (100 words max)
Again, the ND Legislature has been very aggressive in using state funding for economic development. I support those programs which have strong data that shows their success. Then you can invest more funding in those programs showing success.
In 2023, F-M Metro COG conducted a study of the metro area’s housing market that identified the need for 16,400 housing units across the region by 2033. What policies or tools can the Legislature use to support the development of attainable, market-rate housing in Cass County and across North Dakota? (100 words max)
We made significant increases in funding for housing in the last legislative session. This funding is used for senior housing, permanent supportive housing, family housing, new construction, rehabilitation, preservation, and/or downtown revitalization. This funding incentivizes and leverages private sector investment to maximize the use of these dollars. We need to continue this in the 2027 session.
Access to quality childcare continues to be a major concern for families and employers across the state. If elected, how would you work to expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare in North Dakota? Please explain. (100 words max)
We invested nearly 70 million dollars in childcare over the last two years to reduce cost and access to childcare. One of the new programs is called Working Parents Child Care Relief (WPCCR). Currently, I Chair a Legislative Interim committee which is looking at improving the childcare licensing system which in turn will have the potential to improve the business model for those wanting to start childcare businesses. It will also help the current childcare business owners.
Do you support the development of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project? Please explain. (100 words max)
Yes, we've been investing in the project for a number of years. It is critical for us to maintain and/or increase our investment to get this project completed.
Do you support the development of a Natural Gas Pipeline to Eastern North Dakota? Please explain. (100 words max)
Yes, in eastern ND we currently buy much of our natural gas from Minnesota. Utilizing excess natural gas from oil production in western ND and sending it to eastern ND through a new gas pipeline is important for business expansion and keeping natural gas prices competitive. Through potential state incentive funds we can help make this natural gas pipeline happen by bridging the financing gap for private developers. Similar to the Red River Valley Water project, this is long term infrastructure investment is critical.