Between Rural Water and the North Dakota State Senate, I’ve been involved in a lot of projects with ribbon cutting. They were always great days I knew we got something big done. After working hard and voting for projects that could make a difference, everyone involved loved being on the front line with scissors in hand when a picture was taken.
Senators Hoeven and Cramer, as well as Congressman Armstrong, are about to be in those photos, while giving speeches using words like “teamwork” and “partnership.” They’ll make sure someone stands up at the end and says, “it never could have happened without you.”
The problem is, is that it’s all a lie.
Our delegation voted against the stimulus bill that will make a true difference in people’s lives. A bill that will help mothers and fathers pay their rent and feed their kids. A bill that understands the need to help the unemployed be covered a little while longer until they get back on their feet. This bill also will help small businesses get the aid they need to keep their lights on and doors open. Not only all of that, but this bill will also help our farmers.
But this stimulus bill isn’t the same as the stimulus bill they voted for in 2017. That bill had everything in it they love, including tax breaks for the 1% of society with no stipulations as to where the free money went. It was simply free cash to the wealthiest among us, that was meant to trickle down to the rest of us.
The problem was that the trickle never happened. New boats, planes, and vacation homes were bought, but the gap between the richest members of our society and the middle class only widened. In fact, the separation now is the widest it has ever been.
Any guesses on how our Representatives will vote on raising the minimum wage?
Good riding with you,
Joel
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