Sen. Lyman Hoffman (D-Bethel) and Rep. Bryce Edgmon (D-Dillingham) join to take your comments and concerns.
The second session of the 29th Legislature gaveled in last Tuesday. There is a general consensus that Alaska is at a crossroads in its history; there is not yet a consensus about what to do about it.
As the price and production of oil has continued to fall, the state is facing a nearly $4 billion deficit to cover its operating costs for the next fiscal year. We can pay our way out state savings accounts for probably three years before the rainy day funds are gone, except for the roughly $50 billion dollar Permanent Fund that pays out the annual dividend check.
Governor Bill Walker has put a plan on the table, calling for use of the Permanent Fund earnings, a range of new and increased taxes, and at least a $100 million dollars in spending cuts to balance the budget. Now it’s the Legislature’s turn to hash out those details in a session nobody believes will end on time. The free ride in Alaska appears to be over, and your elected officials want to hear what you think we should do next.
Sen. Lyman Hoffman and Rep. Bryce Edgmon, both Democrats who caucus with the Republican majorities, join us for this week's Legislative Call-In show on KDLG.