Representative Richter details $16.78M budget for North Dakota Career and Technical Education

The North Dakota House Appropriations Committee convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss the budget for the Department of Career and Technical Education (CTE). The meeting, led by Representative Richter, focused on proposed amendments and budget allocations for the upcoming fiscal year.

The committee began by reviewing the budget amendment, noting that this year's budget is significantly shorter than last year's. Representative Richter highlighted key components of the budget, starting with salaries and wages, which remained unchanged from the Senate's proposal. The operating expenses were increased by $150,000, with further details to be provided later in the discussion.

A notable increase of $2.5 million in federal funding was allocated to the grants line item, which supports various educational programs. The committee approved a $4 million increase for existing programs and an additional $8 million for new and expanding programs, bringing the total funding for these initiatives to $12 million. Furthermore, $750,000 was added to enhance workforce development positions that connect high school students with local businesses for internships and job shadowing opportunities.

The committee also discussed the Marketplace for Kids program, which received an enhancement of $100,000 to accommodate growing participation among elementary students. Additionally, the budget included a $750,000 increase for workforce training initiatives, specifically for the TrainND program, which aims to expand its reach by establishing new branch offices across the state.

The meeting addressed logistical concerns regarding the relocation of the CTE department due to the expansion of the Legislative Council's offices. A placeholder of $150,000 was included in the budget for moving expenses, with further details to be determined. The committee also allocated $1 million in one-time funding for a virtual reality career exploration program aimed at engaging middle school and upper elementary students.

In conclusion, the committee's discussions resulted in a total budget increase of $16.78 million for the Department of Career and Technical Education. The meeting underscored the state's commitment to enhancing career and technical education, workforce development, and student engagement through various funding initiatives. The committee is expected to finalize details and adjustments as they move forward in the legislative process.