ANCHORAGE – Alaska is already experiencing damaging impacts from global climate change and the negative impacts are expected to intensify as the environment of the North Pacific continues to warm and change. Representative Andy Josephson (D-Anchorage) plans to introduce legislation later this month to create a nine member commission to help develop a statewide climate change strategy.
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This morning Governor Walker released the details of his New Sustainable Alaska Plan (NSAP) to the public. This announcement came one day after the publication of the new Revenue Sources Book, which breaks down how much Alaska really made during the previous fiscal year. Alaska finds itself in a fiscal crisis highlighted by multi-billion dollar state deficits. I cannot say that I agree with all of the Governor’s policies at first glance. I believe that to say “yes” or “no” to all or some of the Governor’s proposals at this time would be premature since we haven’t had an opportunity to study the impacts.
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ANCHORAGE – Today, Alaska Governor Bill Walker unveiled an ambitious budget plan called “The New Sustainable Alaska Plan” that shifts much of the burden of paying for state government from the oil and gas industry onto the backs of hard-working, average Alaskans. The Governor’s proposal includes fundamental changes to how vital state services in Alaska are funded including new or increased taxes on income, fishing, mining, tourism, alcohol, tobacco, and motor fuel. The Governor’s proposal also makes drastic cuts to vital early education opportunities in Alaska and would result in significantly reduced Permanent Fund Dividends. The 13 members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition thank Governor Walker for his leadership and the public process used to come up with the proposed budget plan but will insist that every proposed change be thoroughly vetted by the Alaska Legislature.
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This moment in Alaska’s history is pivotal in determining what our future as a state will look like. The sudden drop in oil prices and the broken promises of increased oil production in return for excessive tax cuts and credits have resulted in a nearly $3.5 billion budget gap that must be closed. Alaska is required by law to produce a balanced budget. However, a budget is more than just numbers on a page. It should reflect the basic values of the people.
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I hope you are all doing well on this chilly Friday afternoon. The forecast is calling for a cold weekend, but don’t let that keep you at home! This weekend there are many great activities going on in the Anchorage area. You can see a list of more activities here, but I wanted to bring your attention to one event happening right in the heart of the district.
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