In this episode of the Gary Emineth Show, guest host Jeff Hoverson from District 3 sits down with Senator Chuck Walen from District 4 to recap North Dakota's recent special legislative session. The discussion focuses on three major issues that shaped the session: the controversial school lunch bill, federal rural health funding, and ongoing property tax relief efforts. School Lunch Bill Debate: The most contentious topic was House Bill 1624, which proposed universal free school lunches. Hoverson and Walen challenge the narrative that children are going hungry in North Dakota schools, explaining that current state law already requires all students to receive meals regardless of their family's ability to pay. Thanks to the anti-shaming law passed two sessions ago, every child receives the same hot breakfast and lunch as their peers, with families earning under $84,000 annually qualifying for free meals through federal and state programs. The bill passed the House 55-38 but was narrowly defeated in the Senate 24-22, with opponents citing the $150 million per biennium cost and concerns about increasing government dependency. Rural Health Funding: The special session addressed federal funding for rural healthcare, with North Dakota guaranteed $100 million annually for five years, plus an additional $98 million available through competitive application. The funds can be used for equipment, training, and limited staffing but not new buildings. While supporters see this as critical support for struggling rural hospitals, Hoverson argues that federal subsidies will ultimately inflate costs and create dependency. The legislature also passed a $5 million bridge loan program through the Bank of North Dakota to help the most struggling rural hospitals. Property Tax Relief: The discussion concludes with property tax elimination efforts, crediting grassroots activists Patty Eisenhower and Steve Moan for driving the issue forward, resulting in the current $1,600 property tax credit for primary residences. #northdakota #Legislature #conservative #gop #republicanparty