Social Security is a government program that touches all of our lives. Every American who earns a wage or a salary pays into it, and come retirement age, or if we find ourselves disabled, it serves as a vital lifeline to help make ends meet.

But the program is facing headwinds. John Hishta, a senior vice president with AARP, said on this episode of Plain Talk that the program isn't going broke, but it does need serious reforms by 2032 if we don't want to see serious reductions in the benefits it pays out.

"It's important to understand that there is a deadline coming in 2032, which means that if Congress and the president don't take action, current beneficiaries will only receive 80% of their promised benefits or payments at that point in the game," he said.

"Say you get $2,000 a month from Social Security, and that is the majority of your income," he continued. "If Congress doesn't do anything, you're going to lose $400 a month right off the top by 2032."

Hishta said raising the cap on taxing earnings could push that deadline back by as much as 50 years. He also said that Congress could explore other things, such as subjecting investment income to the Social Security tax. One thing his organization doesn't want to see is a decision to raise the age at which Americans qualify for benefits.

"Right now full retirement is 67," Hishta said. "There are a lot of folks who can't wait until 70 years old to retire. They may be construction workers, electricians. Folks who work doing hard labor, and they need that money, and they have to retire for their own safety when they're 66 or 67 years old."

He also said that Social Security was never intended to be a primary retirement plan for Americans, yet millions are on a financial trajectory for that to be the case. "I don't know if you guys know this or not, but 40% to 45% of the people in this country have no access to an employer-based 401(k) program," Hishta said. "None. Zilch. Nada. So there needs to be a broader conversation as well about how do you create retirement programs above and beyond Social Security to help folks out."

Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I talk about how planning for retirement has changed in the gig economy, a Republican incumbent endorsing the Democratic candidate to replace her in South Dakota, and Sen. John Hoeven's cameo in the fiasco around Sen. Mitch McConnell.

If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below.

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Social Security is a government program that touches all of our lives. Every American who earns a wage or a salary pays into it, and come retirement age, or if we find ourselves disabled, it serves as a vital lifeline to help make ends meet.

But the program is facing headwinds. John Hishta, a senior vice president with AARP, said on this episode of Plain Talk that the program isn't going broke, but it does need serious reforms by 2032 if we don't want to see serious reductions in the benefits it pays out.

"It's important to understand that there is a deadline coming in 2032, which means that if Congress and the president don't take action, current beneficiaries will only receive 80% of their promised benefits or payments at that point in the game," he said.

"Say you get $2,000 a month from Social Security, and that is the majority of your income," he continued. "If Congress doesn't do anything, you're going to lose $400 a month right off the top by 2032."

Hishta said raising the cap on taxing earnings could push that deadline back by as much as 50 years. He also said that Congress could explore other things, such as subjecting investment income to the Social Security tax. One thing his organization doesn't want to see is a decision to raise the age at which Americans qualify for benefits.

"Right now full retirement is 67," Hishta said. "There are a lot of folks who can't wait until 70 years old to retire. They may be construction workers, electricians. Folks who work doing hard labor, and they need that money, and they have to retire for their own safety when they're 66 or 67 years old."

He also said that Social Security was never intended to be a primary retirement plan for Americans, yet millions are on a financial trajectory for that to be the case. "I don't know if you guys know this or not, but 40% to 45% of the people in this country have no access to an employer-based 401(k) program," Hishta said. "None. Zilch. Nada. So there needs to be a broader conversation as well about how do you create retirement programs above and beyond Social Security to help folks out."

Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I talk about how planning for retirement has changed in the gig economy, a Republican incumbent endorsing the Democratic candidate to replace her in South Dakota, and Sen. John Hoeven's cameo in the fiasco around Sen. Mitch McConnell.

If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

This week lawmakers on the Legislature's Audit and Fiscal Review Committee heard remarkable testimony on a review of the North Dakota Development Fund. That fund was created in 1991 to provide capital, or "gap financing," to more risky projects in the state that can't get access to more traditional financing. An audit of the fund found woeful documentation for things like performance, investments, and conflicts of interest.

On this Plain Talk, Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, who monitored the committee meeting as a member of Legislative Management, said he questions whether the fund ought to continue to exist. "I think the deliberation in the upcoming session is: is that still a worthy objective for the state to be pursuing, that sort of risky gap financing that, admittedly, North Dakota Development Fund is supposed to be pursuing?"

He said that the Legislature is ready to "wield the power of the purse" over the program "if there aren't some what we see as necessary changes."

Hogue also discussed Measure 1. That proposed constitutional measure, put on the November ballot by lawmakers, would require that future amendments get at least 60% of the vote. That debate may end up being the most expensive race in North Dakota of the 2026 campaign season. Gov. Kelly Armstrong is backing a "yes" vote on the measure. Opposing it is a D.C.-based group called the Fairness Project. Already roughly $1 million has been spent on television advertising for and against the measure, with weeks left to go in campaign season.

"Our constitution is the place where we house our core fundamental values like freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and those values should not be altered by a simple majority," Hogue said of the measure.

Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the upcoming Plain Talk Debates and our decision not to include independent candidates. We'll be recording debates in the U.S. House race on October 13, and they'll be released on the podcast, on YouTube, and on WDAY Xtra starting on October 14.

If you'd like to submit questions for the candidates for U.S. House, Agriculture Commissioner, Superintendent of Schools, and representatives of the campaigns for and against Measure 2 (the school meals measure), send them in at PlainTalkND.com.

If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

This week lawmakers on the Legislature's Audit and Fiscal Review Committee heard remarkable testimony on a review of the North Dakota Development Fund. That fund was created in 1991 to provide capital, or "gap financing," to more risky projects in the state that can't get access to more traditional financing. An audit of the fund found woeful documentation for things like performance, investments, and conflicts of interest.

On this Plain Talk, Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, who monitored the committee meeting as a member of Legislative Management, said he questions whether the fund ought to continue to exist. "I think the deliberation in the upcoming session is: is that still a worthy objective for the state to be pursuing, that sort of risky gap financing that, admittedly, North Dakota Development Fund is supposed to be pursuing?"

He said that the Legislature is ready to "wield the power of the purse" over the program "if there aren't some what we see as necessary changes."

Hogue also discussed Measure 1. That proposed constitutional measure, put on the November ballot by lawmakers, would require that future amendments get at least 60% of the vote. That debate may end up being the most expensive race in North Dakota of the 2026 campaign season. Gov. Kelly Armstrong is backing a "yes" vote on the measure. Opposing it is a D.C.-based group called the Fairness Project. Already roughly $1 million has been spent on television advertising for and against the measure, with weeks left to go in campaign season.

"Our constitution is the place where we house our core fundamental values like freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and those values should not be altered by a simple majority," Hogue said of the measure.

Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the upcoming Plain Talk Debates and our decision not to include independent candidates. We'll be recording debates in the U.S. House race on October 13, and they'll be released on the podcast, on YouTube, and on WDAY Xtra starting on October 14.

If you'd like to submit questions for the candidates for U.S. House, Agriculture Commissioner, Superintendent of Schools, and representatives of the campaigns for and against Measure 2 (the school meals measure), send them in at PlainTalkND.com.

If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

In many ways, Tyler York's path to candidacy for the North Dakota House of Representatives in Grand Forks-area District 43 is a classic one.

"I was active with voting. I would keep up with local and national events, politics, but I wasn't really super engaged," he said on this episode of Plain Talk. But then he became aware of a big shortfall in the Grand Forks School District's budget. York, who is a musician and works at a music store, was worried about cuts to the arts programs. So he decided to get involved, and felt the best way, for him, is in Bismarck.

"After learning Zac wasn't running again, I guess I thought, 'If not me, who?'" he said, referring to District 43 incumbent Rep. Zac Ista, who isn't seeking re-election.

One of the biggest issues York is concerned with are property taxes, which he'd like to consider loosening the state's 3% cap on local governments, and childcare. The state is grappling with a funding shortfall in a childcare assistance program that has resulted in a big waitlist for services. York said that more needs to be done to help families, but also recognized that a government program is a stopgap.

"You can't just solve problems by continually throwing money at it," he said. "That's treating the symptom, not the root cause."

He also discussed his approach to getting things done as a Democrat in a deeply Republican state. "I think as long as you create the rapport, get to know the people who you are serving with, let them know that 'Hey, I know you're here for the right reasons, we just disagree on some of the implementations or some of the policies,'" he said. "And I think if you can form those relationships, people become a little more like, 'Hey, I can work with Tyler.'"

Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the debate over Measure 1. It's a constitutional amendment to require that future amendments placed on the ballot get at least 60% of the vote to become law. Gov. Kelly Armstrong has deployed some political resources to push for passing the measure, while a D.C.-based group is putting big money into opposing it.

That competition could come out of nowhere to become the most expensive race in the state this cycle.

If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

In many ways, Tyler York's path to candidacy for the North Dakota House of Representatives in Grand Forks-area District 43 is a classic one.

"I was active with voting. I would keep up with local and national events, politics, but I wasn't really super engaged," he said on this episode of Plain Talk. But then he became aware of a big shortfall in the Grand Forks School District's budget. York, who is a musician and works at a music store, was worried about cuts to the arts programs. So he decided to get involved, and felt the best way, for him, is in Bismarck.

"After learning Zac wasn't running again, I guess I thought, 'If not me, who?'" he said, referring to District 43 incumbent Rep. Zac Ista, who isn't seeking re-election.

One of the biggest issues York is concerned with are property taxes, which he'd like to consider loosening the state's 3% cap on local governments, and childcare. The state is grappling with a funding shortfall in a childcare assistance program that has resulted in a big waitlist for services. York said that more needs to be done to help families, but also recognized that a government program is a stopgap.

"You can't just solve problems by continually throwing money at it," he said. "That's treating the symptom, not the root cause."

He also discussed his approach to getting things done as a Democrat in a deeply Republican state. "I think as long as you create the rapport, get to know the people who you are serving with, let them know that 'Hey, I know you're here for the right reasons, we just disagree on some of the implementations or some of the policies,'" he said. "And I think if you can form those relationships, people become a little more like, 'Hey, I can work with Tyler.'"

Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the debate over Measure 1. It's a constitutional amendment to require that future amendments placed on the ballot get at least 60% of the vote to become law. Gov. Kelly Armstrong has deployed some political resources to push for passing the measure, while a D.C.-based group is putting big money into opposing it.

That competition could come out of nowhere to become the most expensive race in the state this cycle.

If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

"The United States Supreme Court needed to hear from North Dakota," Sec. of State Michael Howe said on this episode of Plain Talk.

Howe is referring to his decision to sign onto an amicus brief with other Republican election officials from the states urging the U.S. Supreme Court to block implementation of President Donald Trump's mail voting rules. "In the last general election in 2024, we had 91,000 people vote by mail in the state of North Dakota. That's 25% of the overall vote came through the vote by mail process."

He said that once he reviewed the requirements which would have been imposed in that rule, which the court has now blocked, he became convinced that they simply couldn't be implemented.

"There's a portal where the states were supposed to provide the United States Postal Service a list of eligible voters. That portal hadn't been tested," he said. "We don't know how accurate it would be. So things like that is what drew me to signing on to the amicus brief. We're 6 weeks away from election day. There's no way we can follow this. It's impossible."

Howe added that North Dakota voters can have full confidence in the efficacy of the state's current election process.

"Voters can be 100% confident that only North Dakotans that are United States citizens are participating in our elections, whether that's in person, whether that's in person early, and yes, whether that's vote by mail," he said. "The North Dakota state legislature has set forth a very secure process for North Dakota's vote by mail. You must first apply to vote by mail. You're never mailed the ballot without first applying for it. We have that verification process and the ballots must be in possession of the county election official by the time the polls close on election day and voter ID laws still apply."

What made Howe's decision remarkable is that not only is he a Republican official pushing back on something from the Trump administration at a time when Republicans are expected to be absolutely loyal to the president, but he did so even as he runs for re-election.

We asked him why voters should give him another four years in office. He touted initiatives ranging from promoting civic education to school children to modernizing customer service, including an appointment system that allows people in rural areas, for whom an office visit would be difficult, to make a virtual appointment.

"You can schedule an appointment with the Secretary of State's office. So whether you're in Bismarck, whether you're in Beulah, whether you're in Walhalla, it doesn't matter. If you need some assistance in getting those filings done, you can schedule an online appointment," he said. "That's something I'm very proud of, is just the upgrades we've done in this office to bring it into the 21st century and have government responsive to the people's needs."

Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discussed the controversy around Oliver County State's Attorney Patrick Waters and some frustration from lawmakers over a push to dramatically increase licensing fees for medical marijuana dispensaries and growers.

If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

"The United States Supreme Court needed to hear from North Dakota," Sec. of State Michael Howe said on this episode of Plain Talk.

Howe is referring to his decision to sign onto an amicus brief with other Republican election officials from the states urging the U.S. Supreme Court to block implementation of President Donald Trump's mail voting rules. "In the last general election in 2024, we had 91,000 people vote by mail in the state of North Dakota. That's 25% of the overall vote came through the vote by mail process."

He said that once he reviewed the requirements which would have been imposed in that rule, which the court has now blocked, he became convinced that they simply couldn't be implemented.

"There's a portal where the states were supposed to provide the United States Postal Service a list of eligible voters. That portal hadn't been tested," he said. "We don't know how accurate it would be. So things like that is what drew me to signing on to the amicus brief. We're 6 weeks away from election day. There's no way we can follow this. It's impossible."

Howe added that North Dakota voters can have full confidence in the efficacy of the state's current election process.

"Voters can be 100% confident that only North Dakotans that are United States citizens are participating in our elections, whether that's in person, whether that's in person early, and yes, whether that's vote by mail," he said. "The North Dakota state legislature has set forth a very secure process for North Dakota's vote by mail. You must first apply to vote by mail. You're never mailed the ballot without first applying for it. We have that verification process and the ballots must be in possession of the county election official by the time the polls close on election day and voter ID laws still apply."

What made Howe's decision remarkable is that not only is he a Republican official pushing back on something from the Trump administration at a time when Republicans are expected to be absolutely loyal to the president, but he did so even as he runs for re-election.

We asked him why voters should give him another four years in office. He touted initiatives ranging from promoting civic education to school children to modernizing customer service, including an appointment system that allows people in rural areas, for whom an office visit would be difficult, to make a virtual appointment.

"You can schedule an appointment with the Secretary of State's office. So whether you're in Bismarck, whether you're in Beulah, whether you're in Walhalla, it doesn't matter. If you need some assistance in getting those filings done, you can schedule an online appointment," he said. "That's something I'm very proud of, is just the upgrades we've done in this office to bring it into the 21st century and have government responsive to the people's needs."

Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discussed the controversy around Oliver County State's Attorney Patrick Waters and some frustration from lawmakers over a push to dramatically increase licensing fees for medical marijuana dispensaries and growers.

If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services -- the largest line item in our state's budget -- has seen a lot of change in recent years. The newest leader of that agency recognizes it, and wants to change the trajectory.

"I am the sixth person in three years to be sitting in this job," Conner Swanson, who was appointed to the position by Gov. Kelly Armstrong on August 13, told us on this episode of Plain Talk. "So, I do understand to your point that there has been some turnover here and it is a big job. But I think the thing that I'm ready to bring is some stability for folks here."

One of the first big hurdles he has to get over is meeting a call for 10% reductions in state budgets from the boss. Swanson said part of that will be a "back to basics" approach. "I think sometimes, in especially with this agency and how large it is, is people want us to be everything to everybody. And if you try to be everything to everybody, you're not good at much," he said. "So what we need to do is really focus on what are the core services that we need to provide."

But even as there's a push to bring budgets down to something sustainable, there's also demand for services. A waitlist for a childcare program, the result of a dramatic underestimation in demand for it, was the subject of some consternation during the recent special legislative session, which ultimately didn't take the issue up.

Swanson points out that the state has nearly quadrupled its outlays for childcare in recent years.

"We have increased childcare funding since 2021. It was gone from about 30 million to now 115 million. So when we talk about this, we have increased the child care funding in the CCAP program by a lot and we have covered a lot of families," he said, referring to the Child Care Assistance Program.

When pressed about the shortfall in meeting demand for child care assistance, Swanson said the shortfall is smaller than what's been reported -- $36 million instead of $100 million -- and that we need to zoom out a bit to consider our approach to the challenge. He argued that solving childcare requires looking beyond government subsidies to examine licensing regulations, ensuring government isn't being overly burdensome on providers while still protecting children and maintaining quality care.

Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I assess the outcomes from the special session, discuss some crude comments from Democratic-NPL party chairman Adam Goldwyn, and take some feedback from a listener struggling with gambling addiction.

If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services -- the largest line item in our state's budget -- has seen a lot of change in recent years. The newest leader of that agency recognizes it, and wants to change the trajectory.

"I am the sixth person in three years to be sitting in this job," Conner Swanson, who was appointed to the position by Gov. Kelly Armstrong on August 13, told us on this episode of Plain Talk. "So, I do understand to your point that there has been some turnover here and it is a big job. But I think the thing that I'm ready to bring is some stability for folks here."

One of the first big hurdles he has to get over is meeting a call for 10% reductions in state budgets from the boss. Swanson said part of that will be a "back to basics" approach. "I think sometimes, in especially with this agency and how large it is, is people want us to be everything to everybody. And if you try to be everything to everybody, you're not good at much," he said. "So what we need to do is really focus on what are the core services that we need to provide."

But even as there's a push to bring budgets down to something sustainable, there's also demand for services. A waitlist for a childcare program, the result of a dramatic underestimation in demand for it, was the subject of some consternation during the recent special legislative session, which ultimately didn't take the issue up.

Swanson points out that the state has nearly quadrupled its outlays for childcare in recent years.

"We have increased childcare funding since 2021. It was gone from about 30 million to now 115 million. So when we talk about this, we have increased the child care funding in the CCAP program by a lot and we have covered a lot of families," he said, referring to the Child Care Assistance Program.

When pressed about the shortfall in meeting demand for child care assistance, Swanson said the shortfall is smaller than what's been reported -- $36 million instead of $100 million -- and that we need to zoom out a bit to consider our approach to the challenge. He argued that solving childcare requires looking beyond government subsidies to examine licensing regulations, ensuring government isn't being overly burdensome on providers while still protecting children and maintaining quality care.

Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I assess the outcomes from the special session, discuss some crude comments from Democratic-NPL party chairman Adam Goldwyn, and take some feedback from a listener struggling with gambling addiction.

If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive