What’s their plan?

While those who loudly are opposing Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s plan to bridge the state’s $1.6 billion budget deficit by cutting spending, there remains this question: If they don’t like the governor’s plan, what’s theirs?

Our august Legislature has been in session for 77 days of its statutory 90-day session – or at least the Senate has – and has offered nada, zip, doodly-squat for a fiscal plan or a way to blot up Alaska’s red ink. And the clock is ticking.

Oh, the House Finance Committee did a road trip to find out what people think about Dunleavy’s plan to cut government spending. And Dunleavy went on his own road trip to explain it. But here we sit, waiting for somebody to offer a workable plan different than the one he put on the table to close the gap.

We are among those who predicted the Legislature would not – could not – do what is necessary; to take a meat ax to a government that has grown much larger than its revenue. Too many sacred cows. Too much union influence. Too many special interests. Not enough backbone.

Oh, there has been backroom mumbling about a “flat” budget, which is code for “We don’t know what to do. Hey, let’s adopt former Gov. Bill Walker’s budget!” There, of course, were the predictable and immediate calls for the state to break its word and not pay oil tax credits it owes. Then came the calls for an income tax or a cut to the Permanent Fund dividend. But not much else. Not much of a plan.

Those wailing about Dunleavy’s plan – and having none of their own – must be satisfied with the notion of further draining the state’s now-meager reserves and continuing to run a deficit until – when?

So, the question remains: If they don’t like the governor’s plan, what’s theirs?