North Dakotans feeling left out of major actions affecting everyday life are getting a welcoming tone from organizations who see a disconnect between state policy and what residents want.
Several advocacy groups will host the second annual "People's Session," April 25 in Bismarck. Organizers said attendees will gain skills to elevate their voice at a grassroots level. The inaugural event stemmed from the 2025 legislative session, and this year's gathering focuses on crafting a policy vision before state lawmakers reconvene in 2027.
Dalton Erickson, executive director of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, said it is puzzling why certain issues get attention at the Capitol.
"Some of the laws regarding the LGBTQ community, most people in the state think that the government should just leave people alone, and yet they're spending tons of time attacking these minority groups," Erickson observed.
A poll from last year showed most North Dakota voters favor same-sex marriage and would oppose any push to overturn such protections. Erickson stressed the coalition wants the legislature to focus more on issues like education and child care funding. Lawmakers have been active on boosting child care support in recent sessions but advocates see additional opportunities.
Erickson feels there are too many well-resourced national groups, namely on the right, capturing the ear of North Dakota lawmakers and compelling them to pursue unpopular ideas.
"The everyday folks and small nonprofits don't have that sort of lobbying capacity to influence our government," Erickson pointed out. "We do have people on our side but we don't have the money on our side."
Republicans in North Dakota have made similar claims regarding past progressive causes, arguing national groups were trying to buy influence. Erickson downplays such assertions, countering left-leaning organizations do not have the capacity to work with local partners in red states. In his experience, he mostly sees everyday citizens testifying against unpopular bills in Bismarck and out-of-state lobbyists backing them.
Source: Public News Service
