### North Dakota Governor's Accidental Veto: A $35 Million Housing Budget Crisis - On May 22, 2025, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) mistakenly vetoed a significant portion of the state's housing budget, totaling **$35 million**. The governor intended to veto a much smaller **$150,000 grant** but inadvertently cut **$25 million** allocated for affordable housing and **$10 million** designated for homeless services. This error has raised concerns about the state's housing initiatives and the potential need for a special legislative session to rectify the situation [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/3420467/north-dakota-governor-accidentally-vetoes-35-million-housing-budget]. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Its Implications 1. **Accidental Veto**: Governor Armstrong's veto was a mistake, as he aimed to target a minor grant rather than the larger housing budget [https://wtop.com/national/2025/05/north-dakota-governor-vetoes-the-housing-budget-by-mistake]. 2. **Financial Impact**: The veto affects critical funding for affordable housing and services for the homeless, which are vital for many North Dakotans [https://www.newsday.com/news/nation/kelly-armstrong-north-dakota-mistaken-veto-k52503]. 3. **Legislative Response**: The Armstrong administration has indicated that the funds will be reinstated, potentially requiring the legislature to convene for a special session to address the error [https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/veto-mistake-leads-to-35-million-in-housing-funds-cut-by-armstrong-administration]. 4. **Future Considerations**: Lawmakers may need to act quickly to ensure that housing initiatives remain funded and that the state's vulnerable populations are not adversely affected [https://kfgo.com/2025/05/22/veto-mistake-could-lead-to-special-session-in-north-dakota]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Vetoed Amounts**: - **Affordable Housing**: $25 million - **Homeless Services**: $10 million - **Total Vetoed**: **$35 million** - **Legislative Action**: The administration's commitment to reinstating the funds may necessitate a special session, highlighting the urgency of the situation [https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/veto-mistake-leads-to-35-million-in-housing-funds-cut-by-armstrong-administration]. ### Conclusion: Urgent Need for Legislative Action 1. **Accidental Veto**: Governor Armstrong's mistake has led to a significant funding cut for housing in North Dakota. 2. **Financial Ramifications**: The loss of $35 million could severely impact affordable housing and homeless services. 3. **Legislative Solutions**: A special session may be required to restore the funding and address the oversight. 4. **Call to Action**: It is crucial for lawmakers to act swiftly to mitigate the effects of this veto on vulnerable populations in the state [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/3420467/north-dakota-governor-accidentally-vetoes-35-million-housing-budget, https://kfgo.com/2025/05/22/veto-mistake-could-lead-to-special-session-in-north-dakota].