Bette is a leading national policy expert who has been instrumental in the passage of pro-family legislation in North Dakota and across the country. She works as the Policy Director for WallBuilders’ Pro-Family Legislative Network. 

Bette served in the state legislature in North Dakota from1996-2014. Throughout her time in office, she served on the Appropriations committee (2013-2015), Chairman – Government & Veterans Affairs (2009-2013), Chairman – Employee Benefits Standing Committee (2001, 2007-2010), and the Finance & Tax Committee 1999 & 2005-2013.

She was also the State Director for NFWL (National Foundation of Women Legislators) (1999-2013). She is an ALEC member (1996-present) and served as Chairman of the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force (2012-2014).

Bette has been a trailblazer defender for the sanctity of life serving as the Past Chairman of the North Dakota Pro-Life Caucus and Founder of Heartbeat North Dakota. She received the distinguished honor of being named Concern Women of America’s (CWA) Legislator of the Year in 2009 and named North Dakota’s Family Alliance Women of the Year in 2012.Bette was Endorsed for U.S. Congress by Susan B. Anthony (SBA) List & CWA, SBA List National Pro-Life Women’s Caucus, Leadership team.

She is also the CEO of Roughrider Policy Center and President of the North Dakota’s research and education center for legislative policy. She consults with the Heartland Institute on Government Relations-Energy and Environmental Policy.

Bette has a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Minor in Sports Medicine from the University of North Dakota. Bette’s other interests include working with the State and Federal Faith-based Commission. She is a former board member for Red River Youth for Christ & North Dakota Teen Challenge. She has been Married to Don (40+ yrs.), and has three children and four grandsons. When she is not working on legislation she enjoys playing with her grandchildren, gardening, and being outside in nature.