North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum: state tax revenues $1.5 billion ahead of forecast

(Fargo, ND) -- North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is telling state lawmakers they are beginning the legislative session from a "position of strength" when it comes to the state's economy. 

"Our combined reserves are the highest in state history. Our general fund revenues are running 23 percent. or $700 million ahead of forecast. Our oil tax revenues are running 60 percent, over $1.5 billion ahead of forecast. We have the nation's second lowest unemployment rate at 2.3 percent behind only Utah. Our three largest cities Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks were among the top 5 metropolitan areas in the entire nation for having the lowest unemployment rates in the month of October," said Burgum.    

Burgum made the comment Tuesday during his annual State of the State address in Bismarck. He says "now is the time for strategic investment" in the state's future. 

LINK: Governor Doug Burgum's State of the State address