PUBLISHER’S NOTEBOOK: Budget bills, Home Show and more

This past Tuesday at the Greater Wasilla Chamber luncheon, Ian Lang, Executive Director for Alaska’s Future presented to the members an update on two proposed bills concerning the state budget, Senate bill 26 and House bill 115. He presented both bills side by side. You can view the graph at akfuture.org under the tab Alaska’s Fiscal Challenge.

The assembled group quickly focused on the proposed state income tax in HB115. One participant suggested that while a sales tax would not generate as much revenue as an income tax, it would cost less to implement because the municipalities have procedures in place. I thought he made a good point. When Mr. Lang was asked which bill he preferred his response drew laughs. “I’m not falling for that one!” he replied.

He was there to present the facts of the budget deficit and the effects on the oil reserve fund if no action is taken again this year. Then he showed us the proposed bills. The organization Alaska’s Future is not advocating one side or the other. What they are advocating is citizen action and the use of the permanent fund earnings as the cornerstone of any fiscal plan to reduce the deficit. There are significant differences in the two bills and we as citizens should let our voices be heard on which one we prefer. For you personally it would be a matter of what your permanent fund payout would be and whether you believe we should pony up a state income tax or have the state cut more expenses.

I’ll leave you with this from John Moosey, Matanuska-Susitna Borough Manager. As published in our Sunday April 2^nd, 2017 edition, Moosey told the Borough Assembly that the state’s deficit is shifting duties to the borough. Less revenue and more Mat-Su residents will put a squeeze on the 2018 borough budget. Is it time to implement a borough-wide sales tax? Even if it’s a seasonal sales tax during tourist season?

The Mat-Su has held its own economically during the statewide recession, but as state funds decrease this will have a trickle-down effect on all of us.

What say you?

Mat-Su Home Builders preview and home show

Today starts the Mat-Su Home Builders Association 2017 Spring Home Show at the Menard Sports Complex. To coincide with the 2017 Spring Preview of homes. The home show is Friday April 7^th 12pm-6pm, Saturday April 8^th and Sunday April 9^th 10am-4pm. The preview of homes is Saturday and Sunday, April 8^th and 9^th from 11 am to 5 p.m. I worked directly with Sarah Collins for the association to publish this year’s 32-page guide. The guides are available at the home show. The homes look amazing this year and the event is loaded with great vendors. It’s a must attend event. We’ll see you there at our booth.

No More reminder

Sunday, April 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. is the No More Mat-Su event at Glenn Massay Theater. Youth and adult leaders from around the Valley are saying “No More!” No More is a national campaign to end domestic violence and sexual assault. This year local youth have taken the lead to stand up against domestic and sexual violence in the Valley and work towards making a change. This event is free and open to the public to attend. There will be a live performance of “Tea is Consent — You decide if you want tea.” A PSA and Visual Art contest with prizes awarded among other activities. Please join me in attending this year’s event.

Baby and Children’s Fair

Mat-Su Regional Hospital is hosting their annual Baby and Children’s Fair. The event in Saturday, April 8^th from 10am-2pm. My good friend Alan Craft tells me there will be tours, classes, health screenings, vendor giveaways and much more. The first one hundred expecting mothers or parent with a baby under twelve months old with receive a gift bag. We’re proud to co-sponsor the event.

Untold Stories

The Palmer Museum of History and Art is sponsoring Untold Stories at the Palmer Depot, April 23^rd 6-8 pm. Local storytellers will present their tales of “Spring Breakup”. Tickets are $15 per adult and $10 per student with ID. Beverages and snacks will be available. Seven people will tell a seven minute long story about themselves relating to the theme and local musicians will perform before, during and after the show. Tickets are available at B Bella Salon and the Palmer Museum.

Thank you for reading the Frontiersman