Governor's staff error cuts $35 million in housing funds

Gov. Kelly Armstrong unintentionally vetoed $35 million allocated for housing programs in North Dakota due to a staff markup error, according to a Thursday statement from his office. The error occurred in Senate Bill 2014, which funds the North Dakota Industrial Commission, and removed $25 million for housing projects and $10 million for homelessness initiatives. Armstrong said he meant to veto a $150,000 grant for a Native American-focused homelessness liaison and that nearby language was mistakenly crossed out.

During a Thursday Industrial Commission meeting, Armstrong said he supports the Housing Incentive Fund and is consulting Legislative Council and lawmakers to avoid a special session. Legislative Council Director John Bjornson said a special session, which would cost about $65,000 per day, may be the only legal remedy. Lawmakers could also consider a new bill to restore funding.