Governor’s office seeks funding for Fargo branch, internships, AI tools in HB1001 hearing

BISMARCK — The Appropriations - Education and Environment Division opened a hearing on House Bill 1001 as Ross Layton, chief of staff for the governor, asked lawmakers to approve several budget changes for the Office of the Governor, including funding to establish a Fargo presence, expand internships and pay for AI tools.

Layton said the governor’s request would “continue funding our office at current compensation levels” and add $20,000 in temporary salaries for a total of $50,000 to expand the office’s internship program. He asked lawmakers to approve $272,000 to fund salary and benefits for a Fargo-based employee — $192,000 for salary and $80,000 for fringe benefits — and said the request uses an open FTE that currently lacks funding.

The Fargo position, Layton said, would give the governor “a presence at events and meetings on the eastern side of the state” and reduce travel costs by avoiding frequent trips from Bismarck to eastern communities. “It is one thing that I think would be beneficial … show that the governor’s office is not just focused on Bismarck,” he said.

Nut graf: The requests are a mix of one-time and ongoing increases tied to staffing, office presence and technology.…