Schmidt said he lived in Alaska for several years, during which time he and his family benefited from the fund.

“My son used it to pay for about one full year of college,” Schmidt said.

Rep. Kim Koppelman, R-West Fargo, argued that the resolution would provide residents with an equal sum regardless of the level of taxes they pay to the state. It would be unfair for those who pay a small amount in taxes to get a check equal to that of someone paying far more in taxes, he said.

“Do you want to be Robin Hood?” Koppelman asked his fellow House members.

Rep. Dan Ruby, R-Minot, said HCR3036 is an option and the legendary Robin Hood didn’t technically steal from the rich to give to the poor.

“He took from the government and gave to the taxpayer,” Ruby said.

Rep. Steven Zaiser, D-Fargo, said he liked the concept of HCR3036. He said nearly all of the tax bills before the Legislature came from various interests while HCR3036 was a vehicle to provide fair and equitable tax relief to residents.

“All you have to be is an individual resident of North Dakota,” Zaiser said.