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Follow the Money: How a State-Funded Study Is Being Used to Advocate for Tax Increases in Alaska

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Follow the Money: How a State-Funded Study Is Being Used to Advocate for Tax Increases in Alaska

By MARCUS MOORE

A recent report from the Alaska Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER), funded by Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration at a cost of $90,000, has sparked debate over potential fiscal solutions for the state. The study updates a 2016 analysis and evaluates 11 options to address Alaska’s structural budget deficit, including reductions in spending, adjustments to the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), and the introduction of income taxes, sales taxes, or increases in taxes on oil and corporations.

The report concludes that increases in oil and corporate taxes would have the least economic impact, potentially resulting in 40 to 140 job losses per $100 million raised. In contrast, reductions in government spending or the PFD could lead to greater effects, with up to 1,000 jobs lost per $100 million in deficit reduction.

The study acknowledges that PFD cuts are regressive, disproportionately affecting low-income households, as the dividend represents a significant portion of income for some Alaskans. It also examines progressive income taxes, which would result in higher-income individuals paying substantially more—ranging from 35 to 2,000 times the amount paid by lower-income residents.

No wonder conservative voices are pushing back. An editorial in the Anchorage Daily News commended our Republican Gov. Dunleavy for proposing a broad-based tax such as a seasonal sales tax (4% in summer targeting tourists and 2% in winter). However, it highlighted concerns about linking this to a guaranteed PFD, which could maintain a deficit by taxing residents while distributing funds.

Gov. Dunleavy’s omnibus plan, outlined in Senate Bill 227, includes modest adjustments to oil taxes, the elimination of the corporate income tax to encourage business growth, and reliance on major oil and gas projects for revenue increases. The sales tax component, however, is described as regressive in the report. The plan also depends on a constitutional amendment to guarantee the PFD, requiring two-thirds legislative approval.

Democratic Sen. Bill Wielechowski, who has previously advocated for larger PFDs through legal action, commented at a news conference last week: “As I sit here, I’m not even sure there’s 50% approval for anything on the PFD. You’ve got some people who support a much higher PFD. You’ve got some people who support no PFD.”

In early February 2026, Alaska faces a $1.5 billion deficit in the proposed FY2027 budget, with $7.75 billion in spending and limited strategies to address the gap beyond projections on oil prices. Even with revisions to the 10-year plan, annual shortfalls of $200-300 million are anticipated after revenue measures, according to legislative analyst Alexei Painter.

The ISER report notes that inaction has reduced GDP by 2-3% over the past decade due to fiscal uncertainty. Lead economist Brett Watson described an “Alaska Disconnect,” where economic growth can strain the budget by attracting new residents who require services without corresponding broad-based revenue sources. For instance, an influx of 100,000 tech workers would necessitate additional PFD payments, schools, and infrastructure without proportional tax increases.

Remember the 2016 ISER study that helped birth the Percent-of-Market-Value (POMV) draw from the Permanent Fund? It showed similar proposals, PFD cuts regressive, oil taxes low-impact, but back then, we used it to cap draws and fund services without new taxes.

Long time policy and budget commentators like Brad Keithley have analyzed Gov. Dunleavy’s sales tax proposal, noting that 24-26% of revenue could come from non-residents, but it would still burden families unless exemptions are included. Even with adjustments, shortfalls persist, and alternatives like income taxes would primarily affect Alaskans.

The report’s data indicates that wealthier households would pay five to fourteen times more in sales taxes than the poorest, though the latter would lose a higher percentage of their income. It suggests options like seasonal sales taxes to shift 2-5% of the burden to non-residents and eliminating corporate taxes to stimulate economic activity, aligning with elements of Gov. Dunleavy’s plan.

The deep-pocketed elites and their legislative puppets, across both parties, block real reform because they benefit from no personal income tax, a gift from the Permanent Fund’s creation. Meanwhile, they philosophically oppose taxing to fund dividends, seeing PFD cuts as the easy out. But that’s cowardice! True conservatives like Dunleavy fight for the PFD as a return of resource wealth to the people, not government coffers.

Look at the history from Gov. Bill Walker’s 2016 veto slashing the PFD in half amid a $3-4B deficit, to Dunleavy’s 2019 standoff where he vetoed $444M to push for a full $2,910 check, only to get forced into $1,606.

Enough is enough. Dunleavy’s right to sacrifice political goodwill for a plan that stabilizes finances without socialist income taxes. But let’s go further, and axe wasteful programs, protect our oil sector (which funds 90% of unrestricted revenue), and enshrine the PFD constitutionally before the Democrats and RINOs turn it into another entitlement slush fund.

Alaska’s future relies on restrained government spending rather than expanded taxes or distributions.

6 Alaska Communities Receive Federal Funds for Infrastructure Improvements

Natalie Spaulding
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6 Alaska Communities Receive Federal Funds for Infrastructure Improvements

On Friday, February 13, U.S. Representative Nick Begich’s office announced secured federal funds for “critical Community Project Funding (CPF) investments and infrastructure funding” for six Alaska communities.

The funding is part of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill.

Receiving the most amount of money is the City of Kodiak, who has been granted $5 million to upgrade its St. Hermans harbor.

Next, the City of Soldotna will receive $2.387 million to improve transportation infrastructure for Marydale Avenue.

The Petersburg Borough will receive $2 million to improve harbor protections and reduce storm damage.

$1.75 million goes to the Municipality of Anchorage to construct a new electric substation as part of the Port of Alaska Modernization Program.

The City of Ouzinkie will receive $1.1 million to modernize its harbor infrastructure.

Lastly, the City of Homer will receive $250,000 to replace aging float systems critical to operations at Homer Port Freight.

Congressman Begich Secures Key Community Project Funding for Alaska Through FY26 AppropriationsDownload

Opinion: Every Baby Has a Right to Life; HB 64 is a Good Start

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Opinion: Every Baby Has a Right to Life; HB 64 is a Good Start

By Michael Tavoliero

Alaska Watchman’s piece on baby boxes confronts a specific horror: a newborn left outside in an Alaska winter. That danger is real. The article notes HB 64 expands safe-surrender options through secure, climate-controlled baby boxes to keep panic and secrecy from becoming a death sentence. If lowering that final barrier, fear, saves even one life, it is a tool worth taking seriously. 

But the article’s power, its focus on shocking and rare cases of infant abandonment, risks narrowing the public imagination. The last twenty years of infant loss in Alaska is not defined by abandonment (as few as 3 by some records, Alaska Public Media, 10/13, KTOO, 01/22, and Anchorage Police 11/24).

Alaska’s broader reality is quieter and larger. Infant death overwhelmingly comes from neonatal complications, congenital conditions, and from post-neonatal causes like sudden unexpected infant death. These deaths do not spark the same immediate outrage as a baby found outside, but they fill the real ledger of loss. If we only respond to the most visible tragedy, we protect our feelings more than we protect Alaska’s children. 

Then there is the other ledger, upstream, quieter, and year after year numerically dominant: abortion. Alaska’s own reports put induced terminations in the low thousands annually. Regardless of one’s moral framework, any serious “life and death” discussion must admit the largest volume of life ended in Alaska is not a newborn left in the cold, but lives ended before birth. For some, that comparison will be morally decisive. For others, it will be contested. But it cannot be ignored if the conversation is to be about reality rather than rhetoric. 

Alaska’s modern abortion regime has two distinct roots: statutory legalization and later constitutional entrenchment.  

Statutorily, Alaska was an early mover. In 1970, Alaska joined a small handful of states that repealed major anti-abortion restrictions and permitted abortions more broadly often described at the time as allowing abortion “on request” (typically prior to viability and, in Alaska’s early framework, with a residency requirement). That legislative shift matters because it places Alaska among the pre-Roe states that liberalized abortion law through state action rather than federal compulsion. 

The second foundation is judicial and constitutional.  

In Valley Hospital Association v. Mat-Su Coalition for Choice (1997), the Alaska Supreme Court struck down restrictions by a quasi-public hospital by treating abortion as protected under Alaska’s privacy clause (Article I, Section 22). Yet the opinion’s “chicken-and-egg” schizophrenia remains: it talks as if reproductive rights are fundamental, as if abortion is constitutional, and then as if it exists only because it is folded into privacy: three rationales for the same result. This move ridiculously locks the issue into constitutional interpretation rather than ordinary legislation. 

In terms of “levels” by trimester, Alaska’s official Induced Termination of Pregnancy (ITOP) reporting organizes gestation by weeks, but the picture converts cleanly. In the last 20 years, Alaska Department of Health records disclose over 29,000 induced terminations occurring. The week-bands show that 26,000 to 27,000 were at or before 13 weeks, 1,700 to 2,300 occurred at 14–20 weeks, and very small number later than that.  

When the State opens the door to meandering morality, when it treats fundamental duties as negotiable, reframes evil as “complex,” or replaces clear norms with procedural loopholes, human nature rarely rises to the occasion. It adapts downward. People tend to do what is permitted, then what is tolerated, and eventually what is normalized. The boundary of conscience shifts to match the boundary of law; responsibility is externalized (“the system allowed it”), and the exceptional becomes routine.  

In that environment, tools like baby boxes are not merely compassionate conveniences, they are emergency guardrails erected because we already know what human beings do when shame, fear, or desperation meets moral ambiguity: they look for the quiet exit, the hidden solution, the path of least resistance. A society that wants fewer tragedies cannot only build softer landings after the fall; it must also restore moral clarity so fewer people approach the ledge in the first place. 

A sober takeaway is this: baby boxes are not the answer; they are an answer to one specific kind of failure: the moment a frightened or coerced parent believes there is no safe exit. In that sense, the Watchman article is right to treat baby boxes as a emergency off-ramp intervention: they do not solve the upstream crisis, but they can prevent a worst-case outcome. 

If Alaska wants to be serious about the sacredness of human life, the ethic must be comprehensive, not selective. It should include baby boxes as a harm-reduction safeguard. It should also include relentless work on the dominant causes of infant death, prenatal care access, maternal support, neonatal resources, and safe-sleep education. And it should include a clear-eyed confrontation with why so many pregnancies end in abortion, and whether Alaska’s institutions are offering women in crisis anything more substantial than slogans. 

The moral test is not whether we can be shocked by a newborn abandoned in winter. The test is whether we can build a society that makes that act less likely, makes infant death less common, and makes choosing life, before and after birth, more possible for the desperate, the poor, and the frightened. 

Survey Series: Gubernatorial Candidates Share Specific Amount They Would Propose for Education Funding

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Survey Series: Gubernatorial Candidates Share Specific Amount They Would Propose for Education Funding

By Nathaniel Herz

Editor’s Note: This piece was originally published in Northern Journal, a newsletter and news website. Nathaniel Herz is an independent journalist and the founder and editor of Northern Journal. Nathaniel has given Must Read Alaska express permission to republish his gubernatorial candidate survey series.

We’re back with a new edition of our recurring survey of the more than dozen candidates running to be Alaska’s next governor.

This week’s survey explores a subject that has commanded huge amounts of political debate and discussion at Alaska’s Capitol in recent years: How much money should the state share with school districts on a per-student basis?

We also asked about what kind of car each candidate drives — because a car can tell you a lot about a person.

Republicans Bernadette Wilson, Nancy Dahlstrom, Adam Crum, Treg Taylor and independent Jessica Faircloth did not respond to the survey despite multiple requests.

Question 1: Education Funding

The Alaska Legislature last year passed a law boosting the state’s baseline per-student schools spending by some 12% to $6,660, up from $5,960, and overrode Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of the law. Lawmakers also overrode a separate line-item veto by Dunleavy of some of their added schools spending.

A pair of school districts, meanwhile, sued the Dunleavy administration last month, alleging that spending on schools is inadequate even after last year’s increase — which came after the baseline spending level rose barely 2% during the preceding decade. Inflation eroded purchasing power by some 37% during that same period, the districts said.

As governor, what specific amount would you have proposed for per-student spending — known as base student allocation, or BSA — in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year? Response must be a whole number. Then, please explain your answer.

Question 2: Cars

What kind of vehicle do you drive (make/model/color), and why did you choose it? If you don’t drive a car/truck, how do you get around?

Answers from the Candidates

Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Democratic Former State Representative

Q1: $6,900.

With the Permanent Fund, all we care about — and *should* care about — is the “real” value of the fund, in inflation-adjusted terms, in order to protect the fund for future generations of Alaskans. It’s why accounting for inflation (and not relying on “nominal,” non-inflation-adjusted figures) is so important for making the Permanent Fund permanent.

It’s no different for public education: in “real” terms, we have cut funding for our schools over the last decade (by flat-funding in nominal terms). I haven’t math’d out where $6,900 would put us in real, inflation-adjusted terms, but we should get back to levels of education funding where families feel confidence in their neighborhood school and their kids’ future in Alaska.

Q2: 2001 Toyota Rav4, manual transmission. 227,000 miles and going strong!

Shelley Hughes, Republican Former State Senator

Q1: $6,660.

K-12 education is of utmost importance. Tying any increase to $6,660 to policies to increase student outcomes is the right thing to do when 70% of students are below grade level. Alaska ranks high in spending, yet student performance lags at the very bottom. Per pupil costs range from $6,200 for correspondence to over $60,000 in some districts, but this increase doesn’t correlate with an increase in outcomes. An inflation adjustment and/or BSA increase in law should go hand in hand with laws re: accountability, funds routed to teachers and proven approaches (like the Reads Act), expansion of proven, cost-effective educational choices, admin/instruction cost ratio reductions, and districts joining state’s health insurance pool to save money.

Q2: Our vehicles are simply to get us from point A to point B safely, nothing fancy, just functional. My husband and I share our 2010 Ford Ranger and 2020 Acura RDX. The must-haves when it comes to a vehicle? They have to hold the road well in winter (and that means 4-wheel drive – and sandbags in truck bed) and have space to haul gear for summer fun.

Anchorage Doctor Matt Heilala, a Republican

Q1: $6,660.

Should the need for additional funding arise after last year’s BSA showdown, I would work directly with legislators to set clear, achievable student outcome standards tied to any future funding such as reading proficiency by 3rd grade and algebra proficiency by 9th grade. Public schools deserve adequate support, and increased funding must come with accountability for measurable results, not unchecked spending. I’d also emphasize that public education is rapidly decentralizing and will look very different in the coming decades. This shift can benefit families and communities by using technology to find efficiencies, making more learning possible in less time and at lower cost through modern, decentralized teaching platforms.

Q2: I drive a Toyota Land Cruiser for Alaska’s tough winters. When weather permits, I drive my Tesla Model S Plaid. It’s exhilarating to drive, and its Full Self-Driving AI is remarkably advanced, proven 6-10x safer than human driving. As a technophile, I love its 90% well-to-wheel efficiency (vs. ~25% for gas), the forefront of innovation.

Dave Bronson, Republican and Former Mayor of Anchorage

Q1: $6,000.

Alaska already spends among the most per student in the nation, yet our student outcomes rank near the bottom.

Continuing to raise spending without demanding clear educational improvement is not responsible to students, parents, or taxpayers. Any future increase must be directly tied to specific, measurable reforms that improve reading proficiency, math performance, graduation rates, and career readiness.

Our priority must be measurable results, not just higher budgets. Before asking Alaskans to spend more, we must ensure existing education dollars are being used effectively.

Funding increases should be tied to proven progress in the classroom, not just throwing money at administrative bloat.

Q2: Red 2024 Ford F-350 – I chose it for functionality and towing capacity.

Republican James William Parkin IV

Q1: $10,000.

Alaska’s “spend it or lose it” budget is a system that breeds short-sighted, wasteful spending! For over 30 years I have witnessed the waste that this kind of directive has caused. No more! Clear directives, one page budget accountability, and allowances for saving, investing and long term financial decisionmaking without future budget penalties will guide funding to where it rightfully belongs. To the children and their teachers and not to administrative costs. Alaska was once a magnet state for the nation’s best teachers and brightest students! Alaska’s education funding is ranked 6th highest in the nation! A lawsuit is unwarranted. A budget system that gives the ed department more control over funding will solve the problems. Much more.

Q2: Whatever is running at the time. My fun car (not drivable most of the year) is my red 2007 Saturn Sky Redline Turbo convertible. Not practical but sometimes you need to just enjoy life. My kids enjoy driving it too.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Edna DeVries, a Republican

Q1: $0.

I believe my answer is pretty clear. I am not proposing or supporting any amount until public education in the state of Alaska completes some reforms.

Q2: 2022 SUV

Former Anchorage State Sen. Tom Begich, a Democrat

Q1: $7,360.

This would be the 1st of 2 increases to bring us to $1,200 over 2 years. According to Legislative Finance, this covers erosion from inflation over the last 2 decades. I was instrumental in both the Kasayulie and Moore lawsuits ensuring that our state would fully and adequately fund education. The Reads Act set out good policy, but good policy – universal PreK, Reading, Math – must be fully funded. This administration has not done that. If reform is going to work, you have to pay for it. Coupled with early funding and inflation indexing of education, this would stabilize our education budget and would be paid for by 1) adopting the internet fee; 2) eliminating the Hilcorp exemption; and 3) eliminating oil and gas tax credits on our 3 legacy fields.

Q2: Grey All Wheel Drive MiniCooper Countryman (2013) — bought in Portland when my old car died. Drove up the Alcan Dec. 2012 at -40 F. The car wasn’t happy, but heated seats worked for me. It continues to carry me — well over 100,000 miles — up and down the Alcan in Winter and Summer. Good mileage, reliable, warm — and surprisingly high clearance.

Republican Former State Senator Click Bishop

Q1: $7,894.

As senator, I would have voted to override Governor Dunleavy’s veto of education funding. As governor, I will bring together stakeholders and experts to craft a durable solution to Alaska’s long-term education funding challenges. The $6,660 per-student figure was a compromise focused on one number, but districts across organized boroughs and REAAs face different realities. We must revisit the district cost factor, stagnant for 20 years, to ensure safe, reliable schools for every child. I would also add career and technical education to the formula. Alaska needs a predictable funding system so educators can focus on students—not politics in Juneau.

Q2: Blue Ford F-350 diesel crew cab. It’s my “do-it-all” truck— perfect for hauling my grandkids and Ruby, my dog. It has 340,000 miles and still running, but I do spend the money to keep it up in shape. It fits me like a glove!!!

Democratic State Sen. Matt Claman

Q1: $7,000.

A bright future for Alaska starts with education. For too long, we’ve undermined our schools, asking for more while funding less. $7,000 is an increase higher than inflation, and it must come with better results. Schools must work smarter to improve performance for students, the workforce, and our communities. Accountability is key to improving K-12 education, keeping young people working in Alaska, and growing the economy so the next generation can succeed. And we must start now. As senator, I introduced SB 46 to shift the focus from the flawed Base Student Allocation to a comprehensive budget approach that ensures predictability, transparency, and effective student-teacher ratios for our children to thrive. Our families deserve no less.

Q2: 2007 Subaru Tribeca. It’s a great car for us—all-wheel drive, reliable, and room to carry gear for our Alaska adventures. Plus it has comfortable seating for Lucy, our dog, to join the journey!

Republican Commercial Fisherman Henry Kroll

Q1: $10.

We have a 7% inflation of the dollar, and everything costs more. Some schools could be consolidated, and the buildings could be either rented or shared with other schools.

Q2: I drive a Ford 150 for my fishing business and a Ford car to get around because it is economical.

More in Series

Survey Series: Which Candidates for Governor Support Increasing Taxes on Oil and Gas, Which Don’t, and Why?

Survey Series: Candidates for Governor Share Their Favorite Fish Recipes!

Survey Series: Which Gubernatorial Candidates Prioritize Alaska LNG Project?

Meet the Anchorage School Board Candidates for April 7 Election

Natalie Spaulding
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Meet the Anchorage School Board Candidates for April 7 Election

Editor’s Note: This story was updated on 3/8/26 to correct the mistaken claim that Rachel Blakeslee taught at the Anchorage School District. Blakeslee was a teacher in Texas and Colorado before moving to Alaska.

Two seats on the Anchorage School Board will be voted on this year on April 7. Here is who is running:

School Board – Seat C​

Rosales, Alexander​: a conservative-minded, retired Air Force Vet with 20 years of service. He states, “I envision safe, supportive schools with robust parent involvement and true school choice.” His priorities include school safety, parental choice, quality education, local control, and U.S. values in education. Learn more about Rosales here: Alexander Rosales for Anchorage School Board | Vote April 7 2026.
Blakeslee, Rachel​: a former teacher in Texas and Colorado whose priorities include environmental justice, equity and inclusion in education, and growing and retaining a diverse teaching workforce. Learn more about Blakeslee here: Rachel Blakeslee for School Board | Support Strong Schools Today.

School Board – Seat D

Gibbons, Sharon: ​former Chair of the Eagle River Community Council and current Delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Gibbons does not have a campaign website.
​Darden, Dustin: a journeyman carpenter. He states, “I’m running to promote the health, constitutional rights, and equal justice of all our residents.” Learn more about Dustin Darden here: Dustin Darden.
​​McDonogh, Paul​: a former ASD teacher who prioritizes ending the teacher retention crisis, advocating for more state funding for education, advancing whole-student learning, and seeking equity solutions for Anchorage’s diverse community. Learn more about Paul McDonough here: Paul McDonogh for Anchorage School Board.

Senate Republican Caucus Holds Its First Press Conference

Natalie Spaulding
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Senate Republican Caucus Holds Its First Press Conference

Today, Feb 12, 11-11:30 a.m., the Senate Minority Caucus (also known as the Senate Republican Caucus) held its first press conference of the session. The Senators began with brief introductions, talked about their current individual focuses, and then answered media questions related to the State budget and the governor’s fiscal plan.

The Senate Republican Caucus has six members: Mike Cronk (District R- Tok/ Northway), Cathy Tilton (District M- Wasila), George Rauscher (District O- Sutton), Robb Myers (District Q- North Pole), James Kaufman (District F- Anchorage), and Rob Yundt (District N- Wasilla). Senator Yundt did not attend the meeting.

Introductions

Former Speaker of the House, now Senator Cathy Tilton celebrated the unanimous passing of Senate Resolution 4, which encourages commemorative activities for America’s 250th anniversary and enhanced civic instruction in schools. She then highlighted her office’s current focuses: legislation related to the titling of vehicles and legislation related to elder fraud. According to Sen. Tilton, elder fraud is higher in Alaska than anywhere in the nation, and the State needs to enact better protections for its senior citizens.

Former State Representative, now Senator George Rauscher stated, “My interests are resources and transportation, and I will be looking to advance those while in the Senate.”

Then, Senator Robb Myers talked about the Alaska LNG project. He stated, “Among the six of us in this caucus, you will find different levels of enthusiasm on the project,” but he emphasized that the entire caucus is unified in wanting to see the project advance. “We don’t want the Legislature to be the reason the project is stalled.” According to Sen. Myers, the biggest thing the State is waiting on is the signing of firm export agreements.

Senator James Kaufman introduced himself as the “informal quality manager.” He emphasized his support of an enforceable spending cap and seconded Sen. Myers’ comments on the Alaska LNG project.

Senators Answer Questions about State Budget and Fiscal Plan

Media questions focused on the budget and the governor’s proposed fiscal plan.

Sen Kaufman reiterated his support for a constitutional spending cap. “We should put limitation on the government in the Constitution.” He indicated opposition to constitutionalizing government spending such as the Permanent Fund Dividend and defined benefits.

Sen. Myers said that the ultimate problem Alaska needs to fix is our economic volatility. Sen. Kaufman echoed this point, stating, “Alaska needs to be a high-reliability partner.” Businesses that do the work to move up here need to have assurances that things will not change on a dime. He also pointed out the need to provide an execution plan along with a fiscal plan. 

When asked about the supplemental in the governor’s budget, Senators Myers, Cronk, and Kaufman stated support for a narrow, highly focused supplemental. Sen. Myers said the Senate is waiting for the House to finish its conversations before the Senate digs into it.

The caucus was asked about its thoughts on funding for education, especially capital funding. Sen. Kaufman responded, “There is no revenue ranger that’s coming to the rescue.” Sen. Kaufman was asked if the State of Alaska is a reliable partner for education in the State. “We need to work towards that,” Sen. Kaufman answered and then transitioned to talking about needed improvements for government agencies and operations. “We need to improve delivery of governance in Alaska.”

Sen. Myers also commented on the education funding question, stating, “When there is partnership, there is two sides to it.” He said that there are things the State can do to help school districts stretch their dollars, but districts also have to work at it. The Legislature cannot just give districts whatever they ask for.  

Closing Remarks

Bringing the meeting to a close, Sen. Myers emphasized that we are “sitting at a precipice, a knife-edge” in regards to the Alaska LNG project and the State budget.

Senator Mike Cronk ended the meeting with this statement: “We pride ourselves in accountability. We always lead with integrity. It is one of our baselines, and we will show that each and every day.” 

Trump Honored as “Undisputed Champion of Beautiful, Clean Coal”

Natalie Spaulding
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Trump Honored as “Undisputed Champion of Beautiful, Clean Coal”

Yesterday, Feb 11, President Trump hosted the “Champion of Coal” event at the White House. Lawmakers, industry leaders, and coal miners from across the country attended the event to celebrate Trump’s recent actions to revive America’s coal industry. However, despite Alaska containing nearly half of U.S. coal resources, Alaska was not represented at the event or addressed by the President.

According to a press release from the White House: “This event underscored President Trump’s unwavering support for beautiful, clean coal — supporting workers, delivering affordable and dependable energy to Americans, creating high-paying jobs in rural communities, and enhancing our national security through American energy dominance.”

Coal miners presented Trump with a trophy labeled “The undisputed champion of beautiful, clean coal.”

The absence of Alaska from the event is noticeable. 18 Members of Congress commented on the event, but Alaska’s U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski and Alaska’s U.S. Representative Nick Begich remained silent.

According to the State of Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources: “Alaska’s coal resources make up about half of the United States coal-resource base and approximately one-sixth of the world coal-resource base.” However, Alaska only has one operating coal mine: Usibelli Coal Mine, which supplies approximately 1.2 million tons of coal per year. The lack of operating mines puts Alaska 20th in U.S. coal production despite its large reserves.

Sen. Kawasaki Introduces Bill Protecting Library Employees that Provide Indecent Material to Children

Natalie Spaulding
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Sen. Kawasaki Introduces Bill Protecting Library Employees that Provide Indecent Material to Children

On Monday, February 9, Senator Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) introduced Senate Bill 238, “An Act relating to access to library material; and relating to affirmative defenses to the offenses of enticement of a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and distribution of indecent material to minors.” SB 238 has been referred to the Senate Education Committee.

SB 238 provides affirmative defense to employees and officials of museums, schools, and public libraries who stand accused of enticement of a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, or distribution of indecent material minors. The bill grants that “an employee of a public library is immune from civil and criminal liability arising from good faith actions performed under this section [referring to Sec. 14.56.450: Public Library Material Policy].”

The bill restricts library governing bodies from removing books based on objections to depiction of race, gender, sexuality, or religious or political views and also prohibits libraries from “requir[ing] parental permission for a minor to access library material.”

Sen. Kawasaki represents constituents in Fairbanks. The Fairbanks School Board recently rejected attempts by citizens and board members to protect children from pornographic and indecent literature. Despite their graphic depictions of R-rated intimacy, several books were allowed to remain available to students with Board President Bobby Burgess highlighting the books’ “valuable lessons” related to sexual fulfillment and systemic violence. Some Alaskans find these lessons odd to prioritize while the majority of Fairbanks students are failing to reach proficiency levels in Math, English, and Science.

If Sen. Kawasaki’s bill passes, residents with concerns about indecent library material will have little to no course of action to protect their children from ideas and images that have real potential to damage young minds.

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