Reading all the stories recently about funding in Alaska. Heaven forbid politicians only spend what they take in, but that’s for another day. The recent commentary from Janet Mc-Cabe talked of a state income tax. I’m more inclined to go with a state sales tax — or a consumption tax if you will. That way everybody who enjoys what Alaska has to offer contributes to the state coffers, including tourists. As for me, I’m retired, so from a personal viewpoint, I should be all for the income tax, but I’m not.
Second point: Let’s talk about the Permanent Fund dividend. As a recent resident (only six years), I see the battle every year about how much to return to residents as a payment, how much the politicians get to spend, and the different ways to calculate it all. How about something plain and simple? No difficult calculations, no worries about a good or bad stock market and oil price year — only pay out what the fund’s principal grew that year. If the fund makes $100 million, give 48% to residents, 48% to politicians to give back to us and 4% to increase the principal.
Simple math for both.
— Rick Wilhoite
Anchorage
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