Nanny state legislators need IQs tested
Ok, how many of you in citizenville are aware that as of January 2015, anyone who hires out as a "handyman" must henceforth be licensed, bonded and insured? That's right, it is now illegal for some poor laborer to dig someone a ditch or paint their fence without first forking out a few hundred bucks annually for the privilege. In their never-ending crusade to protect every single one of us from every possible misfortune in every conceivable circumstance, our enlightened legislators have once again cooked up a regulation to safeguard us from each other.
Well what's good for the peon is good for the master, I say.
So how about a ballot initiative requiring all candidates for public office to immediately take an IQ test after filing to run. Let's say they have to complete the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale and score a minimum of 125 ("gifted") before they could get their name on the ballot. The premise, of course, is that it benefits public welfare to have our lawmakers possess more wit than the people they serve. Scores would be made public and multiple attempts permitted. And those pesky lawyers can't whine about the constitutionality of the law — after all, they have to pass the Alaska bar exam before practicing their trade.
Obviously, such a regulation won't protect us from every single incompetent wannabe, but I'll sleep better knowing that yet another real menace has been eradicated — along with those rascally fence painters.
Anyone want to lead the charge?
— Oliver Makin
Homer
Medicaid math doesnt add up for long-term benefit
Friday's front page said expanding Medicaid would help 40,000 low income, uninsured Alaskans. Rep. Les Gara's commentary says the program will bring in over $130 million a year in federal funds and will create 4,000 new jobs.
So one job per 10 uninsured? Wouldn't this be a good ratio only if all 40,000 needed help every day or every other day?
Rep. Gara didn't mention what jobs would be created, but if they are full-time and their average hourly cost with base wages, payroll taxes, insurance, 401(k)s, state pensions, training, pencils, paper, computers, office, etc. is $15.65 per hour, there will be no money left for Band-Aids, medicine, X-rays, glasses, etc. The 40,000 had better be satisfied just talking to the 4,000.
— Bryce Erickson
Anchorage
Go, Gov. Walker, show those Republicans whos boss
It's ironic Republicans don't want to fund abortions unless it's an emergency, because that's what's happening in Juneau right now.
Don't back down, Gov. Walker. Show, 'em who's boss.
— Lillian K. Staats
Wasilla
Legislature considers itself above needs of state
I read with interest today's story about the decision to limit budget cuts for the Alaska Legislature. If I read it correctly a committee decided that the governor's choice of reduced budget was considered too onerous. I saw no written justification in the story for why we as Alaskans should continue to support the Legislature as generously as we have in the past. Perhaps the committee chairman chose not to justify the committee's actions. Perhaps the leadership of the Legislature felt it was an acceptable action, and that it would not be considered self-serving. Perhaps ADN readers can help me understand why the Legislature should consider itself above the needs of other state entities as we try to re-balance our financial situation.
— Brett Delana
Anchorage
State takes fed money for roads; why not Medicaid?
It is time for the Legislature to get with the program and expand funding for Medicaid in the state budget. Many of the excuses I have heard for not doing this are ridiculous and insulting. Some have said that we should not take federal money. This is ridiculous; Alaskans seem only too ready to take federal money for roads and a thousand other things. In this case, expanding Medicaid will also create jobs. Some have said that they don't believe the numbers in the latest report that says we will actually save money. But there is no question we will save when it comes to items like health care for prisoners.
And finally, what is it about the Christian duty to help the poor that these supposed Christians do not understand? Expand Medicaid because it is the right thing to do.
— Jane Haigh
Kenai
Assembly should act on Spirits of Alaska problem
Let me get this straight. A woman buys a liquor store, Spirits of Alaska, in 1995 and operates it for 20 years. All this time, it has been a blight on the neighborhood and she has been at risk of losing her investment. Her husband acts as her attorney. She says she will have to take bankruptcy if forced to close. Meanwhile, the Anchorage Assembly has the power to revoke her conditional use permit and shut her down. But Assemblyman Patrick Flynn says it is "not our job" to exercise this power.
So I ask:
With all the margin built into liquor, how is it that this woman has failed over 20 years to tuck something away against a possible closure of the business?
And with all the lawyers there are in this town, why is she so convinced that bankruptcy is her only resort?
And with all the governmental bodies there are to choose from, why are we handing out powers to bodies whose job is not to exercise them?
Have all these people given up responsibility for Lent?
— Diane Pleninger
Anchorage
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