Spectrum

The plan to take our permanent fund and split it between current residents of Alaska and the politicians should be carefully reviewed by the people. Although on the surface it may seem like a great idea, it may have more pitfalls than benefits for the average Alaskan.

First of all, most Alaskans are probably looking at losing a fairly large chunk of the $25,000 to the IRS. Most accountants Ive spoken with feel the average resident will lose 30 percent to Uncle Sam. In fact, we will probably be sending the U.S. Treasury between $3 billion to $5 billion of our permanent fund. I am not sure that is a good use of state resources, especially considering our current budget problems.

The second issue of concern relates to the ramifications such a move will have on future generations of Alaskans. Those of us who were present when the permanent fund was established know the primary motivation was to share with future generations the one-time windfall we now enjoy.

We collectively decided the one-time infusion of cash into our state coffers from a finite resource, oil, should not just benefit us, but also our children and their children. I believe that goal is still worthy of Alaskans and would be disheartened to learn todays Alaskans didnt feel the same way.

I believe if everyone looked closely at this plan, they would find many such problems with it. I think the motivation behind it is simple. Todays politicians are trying to bribe us with what appears to be a good deal, $25,000 for everybody, so they can get their hands on the other half of the fund to pay government costs. It is hard for me to believe most Alaskans believe the governor and 60 legislators should get nearly $14 billion while the remaining 600,000-plus Alaskans each receive $25,000.

Now I have heard some people believe this money belongs to the government and Alaskans should not expect any part of it or have much say in how it is used. For those who feel the permanent fund is not the peoples money, I would like to point out our state constitution is written in such a way that the resources of this state belong to the people.

It appears clear to me that the permanent fund and its earnings do belong to Alaskans because the money is derived from natural resource wealth owned by all Alaskans. Some politicians would like us to believe the money belongs to the government. They are correct in that the earnings may be used for general fund expenditures by a vote of the Legislature; but it is still the peoples money and not the governments.

Perhaps what we should do is send a dividend check to each Alaskan every year reflecting their portion of the annual revenues collected from all resource-related sources and then have them send in that portion needed for essential services. That way we would know where the money came from and where it was going. It would also give folks closer ties to their government through more active participation. It is understandable that many people would like to receive a $25,000 check, and I am sure most would have a ready reason for doing so. However, I hope most Alaskans will view this plan with the same caution they used in the last attempt by the Legislature to use the permanent fund for government.

The same problems that caused 84 percent of the people to vote against the last attempted permanent fund raid exist in the current proposal. It will hurt the poorest segment of our society who can least afford such schemes to fund the bureaucracy. It will rob future generations and allow politicians and bureaucrats to continue ignoring their budgetary responsibilities.

When this plan first came out, many people were convinced Alaskans would take the money and run. I believed, however, that most Alaskans would see this for what it really is, a scam. In the days following the announcement I was heartened when a large majority of my constituents called in opposing the plan, citing many of the points above. I know as a legislator and a leader that I must take the budget gap seriously and work to find a reasonable plan of action.

I believe most Alaskans will support responsible actions that make sense. If the calls from my constituents are any indication, I believe we all have a bright future to look forward to.

Beverly Masek, a Willow Republican, is the state Representative for House District 28, which includes Meadow Lakes, Big Lake, Willow, Houston, Talkeetna, and Trapper Creek.