Bismarck, N.D. (KCND) - The North Dakota House has rejected the conference committee compromise of the Governor’s budget – over objections on Governor Burgum’s proposal that he be paid $1 per year for the next two years.
Underwood Representative Jeff Delzer chairs the House Appropriations Committee. He said he couldn’t support the proposal.
"Frankly, when we start talking about the most coveted elected position in the state of North Dakota," Delzer said, "the legislature saying its only worth $1 for two years, I think that's wrong."
Bismarck Republican Representative Lawrence Klemin said this was being done just to fulfill a campaign promise.
"We're setting it up so that only wealthy people can run for office here," Klemin said.
Klemin and Delzer said if Burgum wants to give away his salary, that would be okay.
The conference committee report was rejected – and the conference committee will meet later today.