The Alaska Legislature is back in session this week and all eyes are on the budget. In two separate meetings on Wednesday, presentations were given by David Teal, the Legislature’s Chief Fiscal Analyst, and Diane Kaplan, President of the Rasmuson Foundation. Both discussed the current situation and the need for action from the legislature. Teal noted that the Governor’s plan to fix the $3.8 billion budget gap was a step in the right direction. He also stated that using the earnings from the Permanent Fund “is the most painless and sustainable way to fill deficits.” Things have to change in order to balance the budget.
Diane Kaplan, President of the Rasmuson Foundation, presented the findings from the Foundation’s recent poll of Alaskans. The complete presentation is located at http://www.rasmuson.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/RAS-Juneau-Presentation-Final-Edits.pdf
The survey, conducted between January 3 and 10, 2016, showed that there is increasing concern regarding the fiscal crisis. It also showed that Alaskans prefer to see the fiscal gap filled by both cuts and new revenue. Legislators should have a clear message from the survey. Seventy-five percent of respondents said that they were more likely to support or no difference in their vote if their legislator voted for a combination of cuts and new revenue. Respondents were split on how their support would change or not when it came to including taxes and a reduction in the Dividend. Eighty-three percent would be less likely to support a legislator that took no action to address the budget shortfall.
There is support for the Governor’s New Sustainable Alaska Plan. Among those who have heard of the plan, fifty-five percent support the plan where only thirty-two percent oppose the plan. The survey also asked what components of the plan were acceptable to help fix the problem. Results are listed below.
*from Plan4Alaska.com and presentation by Rasmuson Foundation 1/20/16
The survey continues with a breakdown of responses by political party, region of the state, and household income.
Legislators have a lot of difficult work ahead of them this session, but they also have the support of many throughout the state who understand the delicate situation that Alaska is facing. Individuals and businesses understand that inaction is unacceptable for this situation and compromise will be the way to bridge the budget gap. Alaskanomics will continue to follow the session closely and share with our subscribers.
Comments