Insurance premium proposal off the table for now, North Dakota legislative leaders say

BISMARCK — Republican leaders in the North Dakota Legislature say they've taken off the table a proposal to have state employees pay 5 percent of their health insurance premiums, but Gov. Doug Burgum hopes it will be part of ongoing budget discussions.

The decision comes as lawmakers continue to shape agency budgets for the upcoming two-year budget cycle. Legislators are working with reduced tax revenue due to slouching farm and oil commodity prices.

"Next week we'll start kicking budgets out," said Rep. Jeff Delzer, R-Underwood, who serves as the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Burgum, a former software executive who took office in December, suggested having employees pay 5 percent of their health insurance premiums in his budget proposal that was released last month. Historically, the state has covered all of the employees' premiums, but the governor said the change would save the state $11 million.

Read more: http://www.inforum.com/news/4213727-insurance-premium-proposal-table-now-north-dakota-legislative-leaders-say