Nils Andreassen

The Legislature continues to pass bills that erode local governments’ ability to fund critical services, further dampening economic growth.

At the heart of our community are residents – families, business owners, seniors, youths, employees – who depend on these efforts to be successful.

Where we’re at right now isn’t maximizing Alaskans’ opportunity, and in fact is hurting our economy and social systems.

The search for a sustainable fiscal plan has been active since at least 2015, and in the background for decades.

Together, we can make sure that communities are still standing on the other side of this crisis.

Letting Alaska’s COVID-19 disaster declaration expire wouldn’t bring normalcy and freedom. Quite the opposite, it would slow recovery down.

The state utilized the majority of its $1.25 billion in support of Alaska’s economy. Alaska’s mayors know today that this hasn’t been enough.

We are extremely concerned that these next six months might be our most challenging yet.

For this next Legislature, commitment to these issues is critical now; it will require hard work and negotiation.

If ever an issue transcends politics, partisanship or personality, this is it.

We live in a great state with great people, and all levels of government are working to protect the public.

We can all agree that the state shouldn’t balance its budget on the backs of local governments.

Make no mistake, taking this step benefits Alaska. Most importantly, it benefits Alaska’s businesses.

Together, the state and local governments can ensure that solutions to the state’s challenges take into account the trade-offs faced at the local level.

A state unwilling to tax will cannibalize those who are required by law to do so on its behalf.