As you are probably aware, the 51st North Dakota Legislative session is now underway and it will be a busy time for our elected officials. With a surplus of money not spent during the last legislative session (what a problem to have!), everyone is asking for a piece of the pie. There are many good causes that need the money including all levels of education in our state. Some want the funds left in reserve "for a rainy day." Some want to allocate the funds and reduce sales taxes. Some want to use the money so property tax relief be passed on to North Dakota citizens. There are a lot of places the money could go to better our state. Issues that are not productive to our state, should not be considered for "law" in order to eat up what we have in this state.
Just because there are funds up for grabs, doesn't mean we should be spending valuable legislative time and money on something that should never be considered for a bill passed by the legislature. The example that has many of us laughing out loud is a Senate Bill that according to an Inforum article says:
“… NDSU and UND shall schedule and play an annual National Collegiate Athletic Association football game against each other pursu-ant to a schedule agreed upon by athletic directors of each institution.”
The Bismarck Tribune also had an article regarding this ridiculous legislation. I’m sure most papers in the state have also published this action. I heard it on a local nightly news station as well.
What does a football game have to do with legislation? Nothing in my perspective. What does a football game have to do with money? Nothing but fleecing for our state legislative session. A lot for the cities of Grand Forks and Fargo. Without saying it, these cities would have significant income from those that would attend the event. If it comes down to the dollar, I think there are ways to give to more than two cities in North Dakota.
So why do these two big cities and universities believe they should take up valuable taxpayer money and legislators time by submitting a bill and forcing our state legislature to talk about a football game? I haven’t a clue. Maybe you get it, I don’t.
منتخب الكاميرون - كبلد مستضيف لنهائيات كأس الأمم الأفريقية للنساء، عام
2016، كان من المتوقع أن يتقابل المنتخب الكاميروني، مع نظيره الغاني للحصول .
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منتخب الكاميرون الوطني لكرة القدم (بالفرنسية: شارك في كأس العالم 7 مرات،
وحقق أفضل نتائجه بالتأهل لربع النهائي في نسخة 1990. أعد الجماهير
الكاميرونية بإ...
3 years ago
This is an issue that I have heard a lot of different opinions on. Growing up as a sports fan in North Dakota, the NDSU vs. UND football game was the biggest sporting event of the year. There is no doubt in my mind that this rivalry needs to be renewed for many different reasons. That being said, it's unnecessary for legislators to make this decision. The schools need to get together and get this done themselves.
ReplyDeleteI don't really understand sports at all! But I do understand what your story is trying to share. I heard about this, and the possibility of forcing these two teams to fight football. I don't believe legislators should put the surplus towards this. It actually makes me kind of mad to tell you the truth. I understand how it can be exciting for big sports fans, but it’s not necessary. You mention that there are other ways to spend the money in Grand Forks and Fargo. What do you suggest? I don't know too much myself as to what the cities need. Especially since I am originally from Fargo I should know a little bit more. Unfortunately I don’t. This is kind of bad on my part. For my beat blog I am going to cover state government, and since this is an issue that can have an impact on anybody I am thinking I might try to cover it a little bit more. And figure out what I would want as a citizen, and what other North Dakotans do too!
ReplyDeleteFirst I have to say that you should be thankful there is money left in the budget to even have this conversation.
ReplyDeleteI live in Florida where the University I work for will be forced to cut 12 million dollars from the operating budget. Due to the “shortfall” many employees will be laid off and programs will be eliminated.
As for the football game I wonder, what are the economic implications for the area / state? Will the game generate revenue for the hospitality industry? Will the game help generate tax revenues? Will the game help the participating universities obtain much needed donations to scholarships? Will the game help with student employment?
I wonder…