Alaska

Denali II

Well-structured sales tax does more for Alaska than income tax

As Alaska works to balance the state budget, one thing is certain: We will all have less money in our wallets. The scale of our deficit means we are likely to see both PFD reductions and new taxes. While the governor has proposed an income tax, a sales tax may a better alternative for Alaska. …

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Opinion

Occam’s razor can cut Alaska’s budget problems to the bone

My latest from Alaska Dispatch News: As our legislators gather in Juneau to consider Alaska’s budget and how to bridge the billions of dollars of shortfall between state income and spending, there are a few key points I would like them to keep in mind. I have twice listened to presentations on the various budget …

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Denali II

The Positive Side of The President’s Visit to Alaska

The President’s recent visit to Alaska was in many ways controversial, but there was one positive aspect to it: It has inspired me to start blogging again. While I realize this excites some, frightens others, and disinterests most, there were so many things I wanted to blog about during the President’s visit, that I had …

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marijuana

7 Outcomes of Legalized Marijuana in Alaska (or not)

Marijuana in Alaska? As the ballot measure allowing citizens to vote on the legalization of recreational marijuana in the State of Alaska moves forward, I started to think about some possible changes we might see in our state if the measure passes. The following are the top 7 changes our state might see if recreational …

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Alaska

The Time May Be Right To End The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend

The Dividend is a Redistribution Policy The Alaska Permanent Fund was established in 1976 as an investment that would allow for the continuation of funding of Alaska’s essential services once the Alaskan oil resources had been exhausted. While a portion of the income from the Fund comes from oil revenue (about 11% of total oil …

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Statistics on Gun Violence in Alaska Don’t Support Additional Gun Control

By Holly A. Bell As someone who has always protected the rights of individuals to own firearms, I am often dismissed lately as less than a reliable source based on the fact that I happen to live in Alaska (even though I’ve only lived here a few years). Of course Alaska has a reputation for …

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