The trade-offs of a fat Permanent Fund dividend
The more we spend on the PFD, the less money we have for public services, like schools and public safety — unless we institute new taxes.
With the election over, what’s next for the gas line?
The state has invested about a half-billion dollars since 2011, and producers have ponied up about the same. That’s more than a billion dollars that shouldn’t be wasted, and I don’t believe it will.
Science-based management the key to Alaska’s successful fisheries
One of Alaska’s great success stories is the resurrection of our salmon fisheries after a virtual collapse that occurred under federal management in the years before statehood.
Dividend talk doesn’t address structural issues in Alaska’s economy
This will be challenging, but what’s interesting is this is the trade-off legislators make in other states where there are citizen taxes. Want lower taxes? It’s less for schools, police, and such. In this context, the PFD is kind of a reverse tax.
Life’s not all bad as Alaska economy finds a ‘new normal’
We’re still in a great place. We survived the oil price crash, new prospects are being developed and we’re on the way to restructuring our state finances.
A look forward at Alaska’s economic prospects
There are many positive possibilities, but few sure things, in the cards for our state's resource development future.
We may have answers to the big ANWR questions soon
The coastal plain of the refuge on Alaska's North Slope is fast-tracked for leasing. Who shows up to bid will tell us a lot.
The Legislature’s historic decision
Lawmakers passed a bill this week that will help close the state's financial gap. But we're not out of the woods yet.
There’s finally reason for some optimism from Juneau
It's not quite there yet, but the Legislature may be close to finalizing a key part of a fiscal strategy.
Here’s an example of Alaska legislators actually working together to solve a problem
What's happening with House Bill 312 might restore faith in the ability of lawmakers to work across the aisle.
Fueling the Slope: State, majors can do better
A smarter Alaska tax decision and more innovative thinking can lead to fuels refined where they're used to produce our oil and gas, and spare costs and hazards of transport by road and rail.
Offshore oil leasing evokes sense of deja vu in Alaska
Experience in the north has mostly been a series of high-cost, little-gain ventures, so we should temper our expectations..