From Conflict to Compromise: Four Debates on Alaska’s Fiscal Options
As part of its ongoing work providing opportunities for Alaskans to learn, think, and talk about the state’s fiscal situation and future, Alaska Common Ground hosted four mini-debates on fiscal options for the state in 2019 and 2020. You can read ACG’s program statement framing the context for these events here [link to FiscalMiniDebates-Problem-or-Program-Statement-by-Cason-and-Groh. Pdf]. Lawmakers, policy leaders, economists, and other experts debated four options to help address Alaska’s fiscal crisis: Making Additional Substantial Cuts to the Budget; Continuing To Use More Than 50% Of The Annual Permanent Fund Draw To Help Pay For Public Services, Even If That Reduces Dividends; Reinstating Broad-Based Taxes; and Raising Oil Taxes.
You can watch the entire event here or find excerpts for each option with their speaker information and slides below.
Making Additional Substantial Budget Cuts
Supporter: Melodie Wilterdink, Associate Director, Alaska Policy Forum (Link to presenter slides)
Opponent: Les Gara, Former Legislator (Link to presenter slides)
Video Excerpt:
Continuing To Use More Than 50% Of The Annual Permanent Fund Draw To Help Pay For Public Services, Even If That Reduces Dividends
Supporter: Scott Kendall, Former Chief of Staff to Governor Bill Walker
Opponent: Rick Halford, Former Legislator
Video Excerpt:
Reinstating Broad-Based Taxes
Supporter: Brad Keithley, Managing Director, Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets (Link to Presenter Slides)
Opponent: Tim Harper, Economist and Consultant (Link to Presenter Slides)
Video Excerpt:
Raising Oil Taxes
Supporter: Robin Brena, Attorney (Link to presenter slides)
Opponent: Roger Marks, Petroleum Economist (Link to presenter slides)
Video Excerpt: