Bismarck, N.D. – North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong is explaining why he supported final passage of the ‘big beautiful bill’, which included tax and spending cuts, that was signed into law by President Trump.
“It’s so important for North Dakota,” Armstrong told The Flag on Wednesday. “If they didn’t do it, it would’ve been the largest tax hike in history.”
Along with the extension of Trump’s tax cuts, Armstrong is also behind the eligibility requirement changes for Medicaid.
In order to receive the federally-subsidized healthcare benefits, ‘able-bodied’ childless adults ranging in age from 18 and 64 must prove they’re working, in school, or performing community service for at least 80 hours per month.
“If you’re able to work and you’re on government assistance, you should have to work,” said Armstrong.
Listen: Governor Armstrong on The Flag
Although critics say it will lead to millions of people losing health insurance coverage.
Armstrong says North Dakota is in a good position to implement the changes and “do it well”, but plans to coordinate with the federal government to ensure the state is complying with the new rules.
“Our unemployment rate is extraordinarily low with 20,000 to 30,000 open jobs,” said Armstrong. “If you are capable of working, whether it’s 20 or 30 hours a week, you should do that to receive government benefits.”
Armstrong was also pleased that a tax credit on carbon capture, technically known within the tax code as ‘Section 45Q’, was also extended to benefit continued oil production in the state.
“We’re pretty happy about [the bill]…and [we’re] excited to move forward on it.”
