Letter: Priorities are clear for 2026 Legislature

Prefer us on Google Learn More Facebook Twitter Bluesky WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save With election season behind us, the next legislative session is just two months away. As lawmakers prepare to return to the Capitol in January, it’s worth taking stock of where North Dakota stands. Across the country, folks are frustrated, and in many cases, rightfully so. North Dakota has a different story to tell, because we’ve stayed focused on what matters at the kitchen table. Start with affordability. Today, more than half of North Dakota taxpayers pay no state income tax, and about 50,000 homeowners pay no property tax on their homes. That comes from the largest income tax cut in state history and a property tax credit that more than tripled, from $500 to $1,600 a year. North Dakotans are keeping more of their own money, and that’s a foundation worth building on. People are also reading… Hundreds of North Dakota deer hunters request license refunds Adams County man faces federal charges accusing him of sex crimes involving underage girls Fargo woman pleads not guilty to Burleigh County drug, escape charges Burgum, with tens of millions invested in AI, pushes for data centers on public lands South Carolina man, woman charged with theft from Bismarck man in internet scam Susan Smith seeks release 32 years after killing sons Morton County man sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to meth trafficking charges RFK Jr. in Bismarck: Indian Health Service hospitals will follow new dietary guidelines UPDATE: Bismarck Public Schools’ $116.5M bond fails, falling short of 60% approval LaCoe, Munson, Splonskowski win Burleigh County Commission seats 2nd suspect in robbery, beating of Bismarck man sentenced to prison Bismarck man sentenced to prison after probation search reveals cocaine UPDATE: Wells County man, woman killed in crash involving semi identified Both North Dakota constitutional ballot measures fail on Election Night McKenzie County woman pleads not guilty to charge stemming from death of her daughter North Dakota is also a safe place to raise a family. Crime declined across all three major categories in 2025, the second straight year of declines, and violent crime fell to its lowest level since 2021. There’s more work to do to keep that momentum going. And North Dakota has the lowest electricity rates in the nation, something we can’t take for granted. If we continue to be good stewards of our natural resources, we can help keep energy affordable for families and businesses. As the legislative session approaches, the priorities are clear: keep taxes low, keep communities affordable, and make sure state government is responsive to the people it serves. None of this happens alone. It takes elected officials at every level working together and citizens who show up and speak up for their communities. That’s what makes North Dakota work, and it’s why our state’s best days are still ahead. Sen. Sean Cleary, R-Bismarck District 35 0 Comments Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy .