Any such plan has to include a clear revenue picture. The only other money available to us as Alaskan's is the undistributed earnings from the Permanent Fund account. I repeat - our dividend does not need to be touched. Neither does the inflation proofing of the permanent fund. We can also decide on raising additional revenues by many different means.
Proposals are on the table to increase the motor fuel tax, the marine fuel tax and the alcohol tax.
I am preparing a mailing that will soon go out to all registered voters in our district. I will be giving you a brief synopsis of Alaska's declining oil revenues, the state budget picture, a condensed history and intent concerning the Permanent Fund and another possible solution towards a long-range balanced budget plan. I want to hear your thoughts and ideas on how to balance Alaska's budget. Also in town for various meetings were Karl Short and former mayor Jerome Selby.