I have been employed at the University of Alaska Fairbanks for 17 years and will hopefully spend the remainder of my career here. The governor’s hatchet-like cuts to our Legislature’s thoroughly deliberated and reasonable operating budget will adversely affect many Alaskans through the loss of the services they depend on and potentially their jobs.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy believes issuing a full dividend to all Alaskans is the best use of the Permanent Fund earnings. I do not agree with this premise. Providing dividends for Alaskan citizens who are in lower income brackets and using the remainder of the earnings for state services and investing in our state’s future would be more aligned with the reserve’s purpose.
Gov. Dunleavy stated at his press conference that “I believe they (the groups affected) are going to work through this”. Encouraging words, I’m sure, for those depending on services or jobs that will not exist due to the governor’s rash actions.
Karl Petterson
Fairbanks
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