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N.D. (AP) — Gov. Jack Dalrymple is asking agency directors to include 10 percent spending reductions in their proposed budgets for the next two years.

The Republican governor’s directive on Wednesday reflects a downturn in tax revenues due to slumping oil prices and activity. The blueprint is the biggest proposed budget decrease for state agencies since Democratic Gov. George Sinner suggested 10 percent reductions in 1992.

North Dakota Budget Director Pam Sharp says Dalrymple’s budget plan is “appropriate and is needed” due to less-than-forecast tax collections.

Dalrymple’s directive marks the beginning of the lengthy job of writing his spending recommendations for the 2017 Legislature. Lawmakers will get Dalrymple’s blueprint in December.