North Dakota’s Veto Mishap Raises Concerns Over Housing Budget
BISMARCK, ND — A surprising turn of events unfolded when North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong unintentionally vetoed $35 million from the state’s housing budget while attempting to strike a much smaller line item from an agency budget bill. Legislative council director John Bjornson noted the rarity of such an occurrence in his 37 years of service, calling it "extraordinary."
Armstrong’s veto mistake, described by his staff as a "markup error," has prompted discussions about potential solutions. The governor intended to eliminate a $150,000 grant aimed at supporting a Native American homelessness liaison position, but his oversight has left the housing budget in jeopardy. The governor’s office acknowledged the blunder and expressed intentions to rectify the situation, stating, "This was an honest mistake, and we will fix it."
To address the unexpected veto, the legislature may need to reconvene for a special session, a prospect the governor hopes to avoid due to associated costs. Meanwhile, in neighboring Nebraska, Governor Jim Pillen encountered his own veto challenges, having missed a crucial deadline for line-item vetoes. As both governors grapple with legislative hurdles, North Dakota’s housing budget remains in limbo, awaiting resolution.
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