Letter to the Editor

Higher education costs on the rise

By Rep. Bob Hunskor

02/03/2015

When asked why higher education costs have risen over the past years, Interim Chancellor Larry Skogen said, “Technology, more than anything, has driven up the cost. Our students need to have state-of-the-art technology…years ago there were no frills on campus, but the current expectation of facilities and services on campus has created higher costs.”

HB 1303 would shift power from the State Board of Higher Education to the legislature in setting tuition and fees at colleges and universities. The proposal would permit the board to charge tuition and fees in the amounts set by the legislative assembly.
Supporters of the measure say it would help reduce rising higher education costs for taxpayers and students.

Chancellor Skogen said, “The transfer of the setting of tuition and fees would create unknown administrative burdens to the legislature and the board and could minimize student input.

Driver’s License Passport Cards

SB 2148 would allow for an optional “enhanced” operator’s license in North Dakota that would allow American citizens to cross the Canadian border. The enhanced license would serve as a driver’s license and a passport card.

The new license would cost an additional 45 dollars. It would contain security features approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Cigarette Tax

Smokers would pay more than triple the current state tax on cigarettes under two bipartisan bills supported by anti-tobacco entities.

HB 1421 would increase the current excise tax of 44 cents per pack to $1.54 per pack. The bill would generate about $100 million in new revenue. 

Sixty percent of that would go into the state’s Community Health Trust Fund for health related programs and the balance would be given to counties and cities for public health services and safety programs. SB 2322 would raise the cigarette tax to two dollars per pack.

The national average for taxes on cigarettes is $1.53. According to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, South Dakota tax is the same as the national average, Montana’s tax is $1.70 per pack and Minnesota’s is $2.90 per pack.

Interlock Services

HB 1164 states the attorney general may allow individuals to use ignition interlock devices in their cars if they have been convicted of driving under the influence, are in the 24/7 Sobriety Program and have been granted a temporary restricted driver’s license.

The proposal would allow people convicted of multiple drunken driving offenses to use the devices instead of twice daily breath tests for alcohol or wearing an ankle bracelet to track sobriety.

Ignition interlock devices require drivers to blow into a tube to prove they are not under the influence before they can start the engine. Current devices include a video camera to make sure someone other than the driver isn’t taking the test.

Concealed Weapons

HB 1157 would allow elected officials to carry concealed weapons in the state Capitol and other public buildings. The bill’s sponsor said, “It was inspired by the October 2014 shooting in the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa.”

Highway Patrol Sargent Tom Iverson said, “Law enforcement has multi-day training on how to neutralize threats and save lives…while citizens carrying a concealed weapon do not receive training on how to respond to active threat situations…..this bill may cause confusion among first responders as it is extremely difficult to determine who the real threat is.”

Governor’s Residence

SB 2304 would appropriate five million dollars from the Capitol Building Fund to demolish the residence and rebuild on the same site. The money would not be available until after Jan. 1, 2017, to allow for adequate funding to pay for the project.

Governor Dalrymple has not endorsed the proposal but did indicate the residence has major maintenance issues and requires regular repairs. A major renovation would cost nearly three million dollars.

The Governor’s current residence was built in 1960. A similar bill was defeated last session.

Please contact me with your suggestions or concerns. My e-mail address is bhunskor@nd.gov or you may contact me at (888) 635-3447 and your message will be forwarded to me.