Open Lines / Updates / Year-In-Review
Call-in at 701-258-0550 to let your voice be heard about what you want to see the 2025 legislature. We'll also do a 2024 year in review, covering the stories that are still open-ended.
This afternoon, Daryl Lies has asked me to fill in for him once again.
We may have a surprise guest or two, but we want to hear from you about what you want your elected officials to tackle.
Tune in from 3pm to 5pm (December 27th, 2024) on 550AM KFYR or at https://kfyr.iheart.com/.
Courts Continue To Ping-Pong Reporting Requirement
Well, the courts changed their minds again last night, according to The National Law Review:
On December 23, the Fifth Circuit, holding that the government was likely to prevail on the merits, stayed the preliminary injunction and reinstated the January 1, 2025 deadline for CTA filings. FinCEN then voluntarily extended the deadline to January 13, 2025.
On December 26, in a startling reversal, the Fifth Circuit vacated the stay in light of the expedited ruling expected on the merits of the preliminary injunction. FinCEN has not yet issued a statement, but it is anticipated that it will comply with the injunction, while continuing to accept filings on a voluntary basis while the litigation is ongoing.
In light of ongoing uncertainty, we recommend that entities that have not yet filed be prepared to file on short notice if the preliminary injunction is once again stayed or overturned, resulting in the January 13 deadline being reinstated or a new deadline being imposed on short notice. As noted by FinCEN, entities may file notwithstanding the injunction if they choose to do so, and entities may wish to complete the filing so that they do not need to monitor the situation and to avoid high traffic to the filing website in the event a deadline is reimposed.
Separately from the preliminary injunction, which is a temporary suspension of enforcement of the requirement to file, resolution of the primary court case could take time. Please note that if you file or have already filed and the law is ultimately found unconstitutional or otherwise overturned or rescinded, you will not be under any continuing obligation regarding that filing.
Entities can of course choose not to file. However, be aware that in addition to the potential need to file on short notice should the preliminary injunction be limited, stayed, or overturned, financial institutions may inquire as to whether the entity has filed a CTA and could require filing as part of the financial institution’s anti-money laundering program.
Business owners will just have to keep their eye on this situation as it is changing almost daily at this point.
Donate Today
As most readers have noticed over the years, I take a “Content First” approach to fundraising.
It is my hope that you will appreciate the content and effort enough to donate.
With the legislative session starting next month, it’s time for a direct ask for donations in order to ensure all my time can be focused on reporting the actions of the legislature and advocating for the taxpayers of North Dakota.
Click here to donate today!
Ethics, and Lack There Of
One of the biggest issues in 2024 was the issue of ethics in government.
After years of being upset with the creation of the Ethics Commission in 2018, *some* Republicans and conservatives final embraced the process to get to the bottom of the types of abuses that have been happening for years, while others continue to fight back against any challenge to the status quo.
Port: Secret meetings on carbon capture projects are not a good look
Port: Commerce Commissioner and Lt.Gov Candidate Discloses Family-Businesses Benefited From State-Backed Loans
Watchdog Wednesday: Film Grants and Secret Legislative Meetings
Update On Filed Ethics Complaint
Speaking of ethics, there is an update on the Ethics Commission complaint I filed against a legislator back in May.
The Ethics Commission sent me a note asking if I would like to pursue an informal resolution to my claim. This is part of the process they created, so they have a form designed to allow those who file complaints to intercede an investigation to get a resolution.
In my response, I declared that I do not believe it is my place to try to resolve this claim behind the scenes, as reason I filed the complaint was to answer questions on behalf of the taxpayers and citizens of North Dakota:
There is clearly a lot more work to be done on this particular issue, and we have to be patient in waiting for the Ethics Commission to do their work.
But it is my belief this situation has a chance to change how legislators operate in cases where “self-dealing” is either the perception or reality.
Property Tax Reform Must Take Center Stage
….Or Else
When it comes to the 2025 legislative session, after the defeat of Measure 4, it is clear that the legislature needs to do more than it did back in 2023.
It’s been reported that there are over 60 bills already in the works seeking to address property tax reform.
WDAY Audio: Property Taxes, School Funding, Trust Funds, And Election Gossip
The Property Tax Reform Push Begins
The legislature must take property tax reform seriously, if they do not want to keep fighting their own voters over and over on the issue.
The Republican Green Agenda And The CO2 Pipeline
2024 also solidified just how deep the Republican Party’s push to hijack the Green New Deal for the profit of prefer industries.
Is it time for a "North Dakota First" Energy Policy?
Audio: Discussing the Republican Green Agenda
ND Legislature Set Path To The Green Agenda With Non-Binding Resolutions
Think Statewide, Act Locally
Much of what I get involved with directly is at the local Bismarck city level and Burleigh county level.
Promoting tax reform, sound public policy, and holding elected officials accountable are some of the primary issues being addressed locally.
Sometimes it is messy and painful, but on the net, many of these local problems are actually going in the right direction - even when it may not appear that way.
Breaking News: Burleigh County Passes Property Tax Reform
Burleigh County Leverages Reform Of Property Tax Exemption Program
Burleigh County Auditor Makes His Case To The Public
We need more people in other areas of the state to help report on these issues.
Burleigh and Bismarck gets a disproportionate amount of attention because that’s where I personally live.
If you would like to report on local issues in other cities and counties, be sure to reply to this message.
Again, if you like what the North Dakota Watchdog Network does to keep an eye on elected officials and government in general, Click here to donate today!