New ideas needed to help solve state’s financial challenge

The 2016 legislative session is nearly here, meaning our elected officials are about to take on one of the most challenging and difficult tasks they’ve seen in quite some time. Alaska is facing a massive budget deficit due to falling oil prices, and legislators are going to be faced with some very tough choices in the months ahead.

Those we’ve spoken to in the Mat-Su delegation agree that cuts will need to be made, though few have brought up specific places in need of the knife. Instead, most have said further study is needed before definitive statements can be made.

That’s a fair point. State finances are a complicated matter, and no one should have to step forward with new ideas until they’ve had time to thoroughly discuss the issue.

Locals will have their chance to weigh in on the subject on Wednesday, when Sen. Bill Stoltze, Rep. Cathy Tilton and Rep. Shelley Hughes will hold a town hall meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Palmer Senior Center. The legislators will take public comment and will likely be listening closely to their constituents’ ideas on how to solve the state’s financial mess.

Many in the media have criticized the Legislature in recent weeks for failing to come up with ideas to help solve the problem, but we’ve been as guilty as anyone of failing to offer decent solutions to the problem. It seems that the state’s fiscal gap is something many of us — both in the public and private sector — aren’t quite sure what to do about.

In times such as these, it’s more imperative than ever for citizens to speak their minds. Our representative system of democracy allows for us to choose legislators to speak for us, but in times of crisis even our elected officials need a little help.

Do you think new taxes are needed? If so, what kind would you be more comfortable paying? Some folks like the idea of a statewide income tax, while others think a sales tax is more equitable. The idea of using the Permanent Fund has been floated, as has raising taxes on oil producers. Both of these have pros and cons.

As for cuts, nobody wants to see their favorite state program get the axe, but it’s a good bet we’ll see a decrease in services come this time next year. Would you rather see cuts made to public safety or public health? Should the state do away with programs that help the needy? Should it cut back on road construction? Schools? Snow plowing?

None of these are easy choices. And while the Legislature will take the heat when it has to raise taxes or cut programs (or both), it’s we, the people of Alaska, who must decide how to solve this mess.

That’s why it’s more important now than ever to speak out about what kind of an Alaska you’d like to see in the future. Our state is at an important crossroads, and it’s going to take more than the combined brainpower of a couple dozen legislators to get us out of this mess. It’s going to take all of us — discussing, arguing and eventually compromising — to forge a way forward during these challenging times.