Foes Of ND Business Subsidies Ponder Next Move

Critics of taxpayer backing for North Dakota businesses say they're considering new ideas to try to stop what they call business welfare.

 

 

 

 

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Critics of taxpayer backing for North Dakota businesses say they're considering new ideas to try to stop what they call business welfare.

The North Dakota Supreme Court ruled in two recent cases that the state and local governments can provide taxpayer support for private development.

The rulings came in lawsuits against the cities of Bismarck and Minot, Minot's economic development corporation and the North Dakota Commerce Department.

Brett Narloch of the North Dakota Policy Council opposes the business subsidies.

He says the court rulings went against the constitution's ordinary language.

The constitution says taxpayer support of private business isn't allowed unless it helps the poor.

He says an initiative campaign for a constitutional amendment is possible, or an effort in the Legislature to restrict taxpayer subsidies for business.

(KFGO stock photo)

 

AP

   

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