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Join us to learn more about critical policy issues facing Alaska.
Can a New Pension Plan Stem Alaska’s Talent Exodus? Forum Summary by Ross Johnston, Executive Director. Stay informed with the latest briefs by signing up for our email list. A roomful of policymakers, constituents, economists, educators and public servants grappled with a ghost from Alaska’s past: reviving a once-robust pension system. The stakes couldn’t be […]
Alaska’s Fiscal Rollercoaster: From Deep Deficits to Razor Thin Surpluses Imagine a state blessed with endless natural resources—vast oil fields, pristine wilderness drawing millions of tourists, and a sovereign wealth fund that’s the envy of the nation. Alaska boasts the seventh-highest GDP per capita and ranks third in households earning over $100,000. It’s the lowest-tax-burden […]
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — For decades, Alaska’s economy has rested on a “three-legged stool” of petroleum, private industries like mining and fishing, and federal spending. But as oil revenues wane and federal policies shift, economists warn that the state’s reliance on Washington’s largesse is growing — and with it, new vulnerabilities. At a virtual economic forum […]
Executive Director and CEO, Deven Mitchell of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation addressed Commonwealth North following the September meeting of the Board of Trustees. Mitchell looked at the corporation’s performance and outlook, discussed the Board of Trustees recommendations for creating a true endowment structure for the fund, and responded to audience questions. You can view […]
Alexei Painter, director of the Division of Legislative Finance, provides an analysis of the Governor’s FY2024 operating and capital budgets. Painter responds to questions from the study group and references possible amendments to the governor’s proposed budget.
OMB director Neil Steininger presented Governor Dunleavy’s FY2024 budget proposal. Steininger provides comparisons to recent budgets, briefly touches on the carbon credits revenue proposal, and provides a ten-year budget projection. Slide Deck
Senator Natasha von Imhof addressed Commonwealth North on January 11, 2023 to discuss the FY2024 budget for the State of Alaska. She discussed the state’s revenue outlook, historical spending, the impact of the dividend, and lost economic opportunities due to not addressing the state’s fiscal policy in a long-term manner. Session Recording: Slide Deck: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19BD2kDZuB_wnfMd6grW_rjQC5aO1oAzk/view?usp=share_link
The House Majority Caucus recently commissioned a survey of Alaskans’ awareness and attitudes about proposals to resolve Alaska’s fiscal dilemma. Matt Larkin with Dittman Research will walk us through the results of that survey and take your questions. Register here.
Fiscal Policy Study Group Legislative Update with Tim Bradner Online via Zoom or by phone Friday, March 20th 8am-9am Due to the impacts of Covid-19 on our lives and our economy, it is more important than ever for Alaskans to be well informed and to communicate with one another about public policy issues. Commonwealth North […]
State Retirement System Funding Mike Barnhill Deputy Commissioner of Revenue Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Friday, February 21st 8am-9am Deputy Commissioner Mike Barnhill will dial in from Juneau to discuss the funding status of the State’s retirement systems, what guidelines the State uses to determine funding sufficiency, and what the administration recommends to ensure pension obligations […]