Category Archives: Thought Pieces

As thoughts begin to turn to the now-certain referendum on SB21 it is important to understand that there is one scenario  under which the Governor himself could end up significantly undermining a key argument for maintaining the statute.

The scenario relates to the interplay between SB 21 and the budget.  Interestingly, the Governor likely has complete control over whether the adverse scenario develops.  Unfortunately, current indications are that he is headed down the wrong path.

The Reasons Supporting SB 21

On the surface, there are two major arguments supporting SB 21.  The first is that it produces greater long term value to Alaskans from oil than ACES, the Continue reading →

Last Friday (December 14), Governor Parnell announced the Administration’s proposed state budget for Fiscal Year 2014. The full speech is available here. Later in the day, the Administration’s Office of Management and Budget released a more detailed summary of the budget and the Executive Summary of the 10-year forecast, required by the Executive Budget Act, that will accompany the budget submission at the start of the legislative session.

The proposed budget is the first in a constitutionally (Art. IX) and statutorily (AS 37.07) outlined process – normally containing three steps – that ultimately will determine the final state budget for the coming fiscal year. The second step is review and revision of the Governor’s proposed budget by the Legislature, ultimately leading to the passage of its own version of the budget. The third step is subsequent review of the legislatively approved budget by the Governor and, if appropriate, vetoes of various appropriations contained in the Legislature’s budget (the so-called, “line item veto” provided by Art. II, Sec. 15 of the Alaska Constitution). In extreme cases, there is some potential for a fourth step should the Legislature decide that the Governor’s vetoes are excessive; the Legislature can (but very seldom does) override any of the vetoes by a two-thirds vote, reinstituting the specific appropriations otherwise stricken by the Governor. Continue reading →

Politico, a mostly online newspaper that covers national political affairs — and with which I often open my mornings — routinely attempts to provide readers with a guide to significant upcoming events with a list — usually five — of what they consider the most important things to look for as the event unfolds.

As Alaska begins to consider  changing its approach to oil taxes in the upcoming session, I have developed a list of five characteristics that I will look for in evaluating various proposals.  I share them for whatever value that may have to others. Continue reading →