JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The North Dakota Legislature concluded the 2019 legislative session last week, and Senator John Grabinger (D-Jamestown) is reflecting on what went well and not so during the 78-day session.

One of the largest topics this session included Governor Doug Burgum’s proposed Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Governor Burgum signed the bill creating an endowment to be used for the library. Grabinger says although he supported the bill in the end, he would have liked to have seen different approached taken.

The legislature and governor signed off on a bill that would distribute more money to more local governments through oil tax revenue, known as the Prairie Dog Bill. Both Jamestown and Stutsman County would benefit through this, and Grabinger says he is pleased with it.

Overall, Grabinger says the session’s temper and cooperation has improved this year, however, more could have been done in various areas.

Grabinger served on the Appropriations committee during the session working to determine the two-year state budget. He will serve on the Budget Section during the interim.

Listen to the full interview here:

Story and interview by Jacob Just