Think and act positive, reject pessimism.

Dear Editor,

Last week, Governor Armstrong directed the most impactful largest state agencies to reduce their budget requests by 10%. Columnist (Rob) Port follows up calling it wise, stating, “What lays ahead is almost certainly decline.” And no new buildings but another prison can go forward!

We need to reject this pessimism for at least three reasons.

1. In the past few decades, we have been making huge investments in business, infrastructure, and tax reduction. Why? To grow the economy in North Dakota.

2. The federal administration is making huge cuts to important programs, we care about our people and will make up for some of the gaps.

3. A simplistic across-the-board directive does not unleash creativity or public inspection of other options.

Let’s acknowledge our investments, energy, and increasing citizen interest to ascertain and meet our needs. In the process we will approve some requests and reject others. In that way we move North Dakota in a positive direction.

Senator Tim Mathern, Fargo, ND (verified by telephone on Monday, April 13, 2026 – LAO)