It’s Time for Alaska to Adopt a True Growth-Enhancing Budget

Has been updated: twenty five minutes ago Release: 34 minutes ago

My wife and I have loved living in Alaska for over 40 years. We raised our children here – they are adults now. Our children attended well-funded public schools. The streets were properly cleared of snow on time.

What’s wrong? Why is the population declining year by year? Why Are Crime And Homelessness Persistent Problems? Why Are Some Schools Closing And Others Crowding More Children In Overcrowded Classrooms? Young Adults Are Leaving Alaska And Not Returning Why did you choose to

Because we are not investing in the future. We do not invest in public schools or universities. We underfund law enforcement, drug and alcohol treatment, and mental health services. We don’t spend enough on basic transportation to maintain and clear our roads and highways.

Don’t get me wrong. On a purely selfish level, I am grateful to receive a large Endowment dividend without having to pay any income or sales tax. It fattens my wallet – in the short term.

I say “short term” because hidden costs are not taken into account. Insufficient road maintenance reduces income. A weakening of the overall economy will lead to lower economic activity and loss of income again. Loss/damage due to increased crime. And when the quality of life declines, it creates a downward spiral because fewer people live here, invest in businesses, and spend time here.

Compare what is happening in Alaska to some of the countries experiencing real economic growth. As state and local communities invest in schools and colleges to develop and sustain a high quality of life, growth is occurring that attracts young entrepreneurs and their families. And by investment, yes, we mean where citizens are paying for essential government services that fuel growth and economic activity.

we cannot live in the past. The oil pipeline across Alaska is not full. No matter what politicians say, it will never be full again in our lifetime. Pipeline is not going to pay us what we need to invest in the future.

we need to be real. We need to plan and invest in our future. We do it as individuals, as families, and as business people. Now, as Alaskans, we need to do it, we need to tell our politicians to invest in our future instead of just sending him a huge PFD. We need to send that message to them because we are thinking about the future of this special place we call home.

Glen Claves Has owned and operated legal and mediation practices for over 30 years. He has lived in Jewel Lake for over 40 years.

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