Hoeven wants US to follow North Dakota example

• Hoeven

Press Photo by April Baumgarten Sen. John Hoeven speaks at SolarBee Thursday afternoon in Dickinson about the economic growth in western North Dakota.

Talk about it

Sen. John Hoeven held a town hall meeting at SolarBee on Thursday to tell people about the focus of his role in Congress — to promote a pro-growth economy strategy and energy development.

“The economy isn’t growing,” Hoeven said. “The government is spending too much. At the same time, we are doing too much regulating.

“We don’t have … the comprehensive energy policy like we have in North Dakota that is stimulating the economy and providing an environment for the private investment that we need to get our environment going.”

Officials and constituents from western North Dakota came to hear him speak and answer questions.

Hoeven spoke to the audience briefly and answered questions for an hour.

Shirley Dukart, a former Dickinson city commissioner, attended. She described Hoeven as being personal and North Dakota-oriented.

“I think he did a marvelous job,” Dukart said. “He gave a great speech and answered everyone’s questions very well.”

Hoeven said the Gallup Poll recently rated North Dakota the number one state for job creation. The U.S. economy has a 9 percent unemployment rate when North Dakota is just above

3 percent.

“We need a pro-growth economic strategy for this country,” he said. “We’ve had one for our state for the last 10 years. We have built it over the last 10 years and it has served us very well.”

Creating legal taxes and regulatory certainty that empowers investment is one strategy that has helped North Dakota succeed, he said.

“We make sure that we balance our budget, build our reserves and reduce the tax burden. We are one of the most fiscally sound states in the country.”

Hoeven added that energy development has played a hand in keeping North Dakota fiscally sound. He wants to use these same ideas to help the country crawl out of debt.

“It’s that pro-growth, strong financial sound fiscal approach and good energy development,” he said.

Hoeven stated it would be feasible for the country to follow North Dakota’s example of economical growth and energy development. As a state and a country, families and businesses need to learn live within their means, Hoeven said.

“It’s a common sense approach that many people are starting to notice,” said Hoeven. “That simply means simplify and mainstream regulations so people can understand them. We’re getting great business in North Dakota and I think everyone can do it.”

“I think it’s great anytime an elected official, especially on the national level, comes into our community to discuss to issues with the people,” Dickinson Mayor Dennis Johnson said.

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