Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s plan for property tax relief has captured the attention of North Dakota’s legislators, but they won’t necessarily be quick to endorse it.

Rep. Jay Fisher of Minot’s District 5 said the governor laid out a good plan for property tax relief but he wants to see other proposals as well.

“There could be a better plan, and I hope, frankly, there is – one that may be quicker to get to the end result of more relief,” he said.

Rep. Dan Ruby, Minot, of District 38, said he likes the governor’s concept for limiting local government spending and increasing an existing tax credit for homeowners. He hasn’t seen some of the details that certain legislators say they don’t like, but the overall concept appears good, he said.

His conversations with Minot’s city leaders raised concern about how mill levy limits might hurt them in tough budget years, but the governor’s plan allows for some flexibility in carrying over unused taxing authority to future budgets, Ruby said.

Newly elected Sen. Jose Castaneda from Minot’s District 40 noted property tax is at the top of everyone’s priority list.

“I appreciate the fact that the governor is encouraging property tax legislation that not only provides relief but also limits spending. We must limit spending at all levels first, to then be able to effectively cut taxes and keep them down in the long term,” he said.

Local legislators also were interested in other initiatives announced by the governor.

“I was very happy to hear that Governor Armstrong is proposing to reduce government boards, and having already eliminated five is a great start,” Castaneda said. “I believe less is more when it comes to government. His pro-business attitude is what North Dakota needs.”

Castaneda also was pleased to hear Armstrong speak of strong support for the military.

“A large portion of my constituency is military or prior military, and I would love for them to make North Dakota their forever home. Governor Armstrong’s stance to make North Dakota the most military friendly state in the nation is great,” he said.

Fisher, who has long been an advocate for value-added agriculture, liked the governor’s intention to do more in that area. He also was glad to see Armstrong’s enthusiasm for career and technical education and his focus on positioning colleges and universities to meet workforce needs, as well as beefing up public-private partnerships through university Challenge Grants.

“I like the concept of stackable credentials and/or apprenticeships,” Fisher added. “Not everyone can afford the time or the money to go for the advanced degrees. We need skilled workers. So, there’s multiple ways to get at this, which means some change in how our university systems work, but there’s a lot of really good things going on.”

Ruby said Armstrong’s message was optimistic about the state’s opportunities.

“I think he’s got a good vision, and having served in the Legislature before and in Washington, I think he’s got a good perspective,” he said. “He can apply his ideas and also take other people’s ideas and integrate them to move this session through some pretty big issues, like property tax.”

Although only oil field infrastructure was specifically mentioned by Armstrong, statewide infrastructure needs, including roads, are likely to be an important focus of the governor, Ruby said.

“I think the infrastructure for all of those projects are going to be a priority for him so that we can keep moving the economy forward, keep generating tax revenue through that – basically bringing people in and providing jobs and a quality of life in North Dakota,” Ruby said. “I was pretty upbeat about his vision. I think he’ll work with people and make the tough decisions to make it happen.”