On January 20, 2025, North Dakota Republicans introduced a new welfare reform bill designed to reduce government dependency by requiring more recipients to engage in work-related activities. Governor Doug Burgum, along with key Republican legislators, presented the bill as a necessary step to address rising welfare costs and ensure that public assistance programs are used as a safety net rather than a long-term solution.
The bill includes several key provisions, including stricter work requirements for adults without dependents. Under the new rules, individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits would be required to work a minimum of 20 hours per week or participate in job training programs in exchange for continued assistance. The proposal also introduces a 24-month limit on TANF benefits, with the aim of encouraging self-sufficiency among recipients.
Representative Kathy Skroch, the bill’s sponsor, argued that the changes are necessary to ensure that public assistance is only provided to those truly in need and that able-bodied adults should be encouraged to work. Skroch emphasized that the goal of the reform is to reduce the long-term reliance on government benefits and create pathways for recipients to find stable, long-term employment.
The bill also includes provisions for enhanced job training programs and workforce development initiatives, which are intended to provide recipients with the skills necessary to enter the workforce. Governor Burgum praised these initiatives, calling them a vital part of the reform, as they would help individuals move off welfare and into meaningful employment.
Opponents of the bill, including some Democratic lawmakers and social advocacy groups, have voiced concerns that the stricter work requirements could disproportionately affect low-income families, particularly those in rural areas where job opportunities may be limited. They argue that the new requirements could lead to an increase in poverty and hardship for vulnerable populations, such as single parents and seniors.
Polling conducted by the North Dakota State University in early January 2025 revealed mixed reactions to the proposed welfare reform. While 58% of Republican voters supported the changes, 47% of independents and 32% of Democrats expressed concerns about the impact of the reforms on families already struggling with limited access to employment opportunities. Additionally, 40% of respondents said that they were worried about the potential for increased poverty among those who would lose their benefits under the new rules.
Despite these concerns, Governor Burgum remains committed to the reform, arguing that it is a necessary step to ensure that North Dakota’s welfare system is sustainable and that recipients are encouraged to become self-reliant. The proposed legislation is expected to be a major point of debate during the 2025 legislative session, with the outcome likely shaping the state’s approach to welfare policy in the years to come.
