Wednesday, June 08, 2016

So this what it looks like when Hell freezes over.

Courtesy of Alaska Dispatch:

The Alaska Senate late Monday passed legislation converting the Permanent Fund into an endowment and setting dividends at $1,000, a move designed to help reduce the state's $4 billion budget gap. 

The 14-5 vote, which supporters described as a necessary step to head off a financial collapse, came quickly after months of discussion and debate about Senate Bill 128. The vote came about 8:30 p.m. on the same day the bill emerged from the Senate Finance Committee. 

The legislation still must pass a more skeptical House before it could head to Gov. Bill Walker for his signature. And a House vote is unlikely to come before next week, with lawmakers taking a five-day break from Juneau starting Wednesday, with most of the city's hotel rooms booked for a festival of Alaska Native culture.

I think the word to describe me right now is flabbergasted.

I don't think there is any way that I can adequately explain to those in the Lower 48, how jealousy Alaskans guard the PFD.

We refer to it as the third rail of Alaska politics, and those who suggested capping it or taking money from it to fund the government did so while packing their bags fully aware that their polticla career had just come to an end.

So for this legislation to have made it this far is a testament to the courage of Governor Bill Walker and our state senators.

Personally I hope that the House demonstrates the same courage, because this needs to happen. And in fact it really needed to happen over twenty years ago.

16 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:14 AM

    State screws municipalities and citizens. What's new?

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous8:08 AM

      There is NO screw about it. You Ak'ns have enjoyed a free ride for many years. You get free money every year (did) no state taxes, suck on gov tit, while we support you from CA (Thank you) and now pissing and moaning about losing the PFD!? If y'all was smart you would be putting solar panels on that damn pipeline and turning Cheena Hot springs into a geothermal electric producing complex. But no, just sit on your ass and boo fuking hoo how the state screws people! Oh and what about the natives who have no plumbing? I have long said the the PFD should be used to give all citizen in AK plumbing. Grow up.
      (as the troll says) Maybe the palin will stop having so many kids now that they don't get paid to have them?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:22 PM

      Bravo 8:08 am.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous5:13 AM

    Free money should never be counted on.If all you had to do to be handed a check for you and every member of your family was breathe air,it was always easy pickings.

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  3. Anonymous5:35 AM

    Is this enough of a big deal for people to move to another state? I do remember years ago people saying they were moving to Alaska because of the PFD.

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  4. Anonymous5:38 AM

    The tears that Anna Fairclough (Eagle River) pulled in the news yesterday was total baloney and nothing more than a 'show'!

    Vote her out of office Eagle River voters! She IS a substantial part of the Republican party that has put Alaska in the red!

    Term limits also need to be enforced in Alaska for the Alaska Legislature!

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  5. Anonymous7:30 AM

    when dRumpf becomes prez move to Bern-land>

    https://www.health-street.net/blog-drug-testing/vermont-americas-heroin-capital

    "http://www.rawstory.com/2016/06/how-bernie-sanders-can-still-become-president/"

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  6. Anonymous7:46 AM

    Watch the accelerated exodus from AK when this is put into effect. I know of a family of 11 and counting who live EXCLUSIVELY (tho not well) on the PFD checks each year.

    Watch the property values plummet. Then watch the legislature impose both a state sales tax and a state income tax.

    Will the last person out, please turn out the lights?

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  7. Anonymous7:56 AM

    So gee, now MOH won;t be able to claim more than $1000 a year when he establishes residency? This might make Bristol turn to contraception! I mean, what was the payout last year, plus her Levi money? And she is looking to cash in on Sailor this year, too.
    I tell you, the Palins may eventually have to work for a living.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous12:47 PM

      Try putting down the 24/7 Palin bong there chappy.

      Delete
  8. Anonymous9:27 AM

    People won't leave Alaska because of the PFD being reduced down to a thousand. People love Alaska. I was born and raised here. And even though I will miss the extra, I am sure I will survive like I've been doing. So will every other bonified Alaskan. The half baked Alaskans are fine to go. We love our space and air up here. And our State Government should use that money to pay off our state debt and perhaps find ways to make money for our state. But I have a question. Just how in the hell did we get into that deep of a debt???? Can Gov. Walker or someone in charge go before the public and read an itemized list of just what went wrong? And are they going to use this money wisely or put us more into debt? That's what politicians do you know. Line their own pockets.

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    1. Anonymous12:24 PM

      Try spending what money you do get on an education. It's bona fide Alaskan, dumbass.

      Delete
  9. Anonymous10:18 AM

    How did they get into debt? When you have little to no income but have expenses,you get into debt.Other states use taxes to pay the bills.

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  10. Anonymous10:18 AM

    9:27 AM We are in the mess we are in due to the majority led group (Republican) in the Alaska Legislature. They spent our money as though there were no tomorrow and the price of oil would not drop! Hence, the major problems of today!

    I've lived in Alaska 1950 and feel as you do regarding Alaska. I'm just ticked that Alaskans are the ones that are going to have to pay for the deeds of the Republican majority. They have played games for years - being in bed w/oil and the lobbyists!

    Just look at how they are playing with what Governor Walker is trying to do!! They literally make me sick to my stomach and are no different than the bunch that is in the U.S.Congress! It's called 'obstruction'!

    Alaska voters need to pay closer attention as they cast their votes! The records of the candidates need to be checked thoroughly, especially the ones running for reelection!

    The fact finding mission can include how they voted on various issue throughout their term(s), talk to folks that actually work with them and know them, ask questions and research them on line, etc. How did they publically speak on a particular subject and then how did they actually vote on the matter? Did their stand match their vote?

    Remember, Alaska is a very small state (population wise) and each candidate/individual is easy to research.

    It would also be a good idea to institute term limits on our Legislators. The Alaska Governor term is limited - why not the Alaska Legislators? The issue would have to be voted on and approved by Alaskans.

    Being a member of the Alaska Legislature is a JOB representing those that put them in the office of senator or representative. It's not to sit in Juneau for years and become wealthier than they were before they started serving!

    Plus, why do the Legislators not complete their work within the time limits of each Session? If they worked the same way in the private sector, they'd be fired!!

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  11. Anonymous12:15 PM

    Sorry to say it but that won't happen. Look at the voter turnout in this state for elections. Alaskans are too busy to care. Republicans will have their way for a long time to come.

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  12. Randall4:17 PM

    Dude looks like he's got a blonde ponytail in that photo...

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