Craig will discuss the Permanent Fund’s efforts to optimize the fund to provide a sustainable POMV payment structure and continue our discussion on strategies for inflation-proofing the fund.
Join us for a work session to discuss the latest developments regarding lease sales in ANWR.
You may be interested in reviewing CWN’s 1989 report, “An Alaskan View of ANWR“. It includes a board resolution and that supported oil and gas development in the 1002 Area. We realize some of the data in the document may be dated, but the report still represents a valuable perspective from the committee’s 24 month study.
Join us for a briefing on the Willow Solar Farm Project. The facility is a 1.2 Megawatt facility consisting of 3,240 solar panels and is the largest solar project in Alaska.
Last Friday ISER Director Ralph Townsend gave a thought-provoking presentation on the policy options and implications for use of Permanent Fund earnings. Of particular interest is the impact that inflation-proofing the fund may have on Fund earnings available in future years. This Friday Rep. Jennifer Johnston, House Finance Committee co-chair, and Sen. Natasha von Imhoff, Senate Finance Co-Chair will join the group to continue this discussion and to share the Legislature’s perspective and considerations on this important policy option.
Join us for lunch and a conversation with Governor Mike Dunleavy. As the 2020 legislative session approaches, this will be an opportunity for him to reflect on his proposed budget and the upcoming session.
Advance registration required, contact CWN office at (907) 258-9522 to pay by phone.
In 2018, the Legislature passed SB 26 which established a “percent of market value” (POMV) which defines and limits how much will be transferred each year from the Permanent Fund’s Earnings Reserve to the state for the operating budget (including the amount for the Permanent Fund Dividend.) The amount in the Earnings Reserve will fluctuate, so it must be effectively managed in order to reduce the risk that the POMV could not be paid in some future year.
The Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation commissioned analyses to model the probability that the Earnings Reserve would not have sufficient funds to pay the POMV formula in the future. One analysis concluded that the Earnings Reserve should have $12 billion as a minimum to minimize the risk of not being able to pay the POMV.
Ralph’s presentation will explore how inflation proofing the Permanent Fund interacts with the goal of managing the Fund’s Earnings Reserve in order to maintain a sustainable annual draw.
We will have two topics of discussion this Friday. From 11:30am to noon, we will discuss a draft CWN summary regarding the State’s current moratorium on new projects participating in Alaska’s State Debt Reimbursement Program and school construction funding. We anticipate it being a topic of discussion at next week’s luncheon with legislators.
Then, at noon, we will host Kelly Tshibaka, Commissioner of the Department of Administration. The department oversees much of the internal operations of state government—from accounting to risk management to IT—plus programs that serve Alaskans, such as the Public Defender Agency and Division of Motor Vehicles. She is leading the department’s work to ensure that services are effective and delivered with efficiency; pursuing innovations and cost savings; and achieving results.
A focus on program effectiveness and delivery of results has been a priority in past CWN Study Group reports on the state budget. The Commissioner will brief the study group on the department’s work on these and other accountability measures.
As Alaskans approach a new legislative session in January, we are facing a number of critical public policy issues. Our legislators will be asked to make important public policy decisions that will affect Alaskans for many years to come. This week, Commonwealth North will once again host face to face discussions between Alaskans and legislators. Your participation is vital to ensuring your voice is heard by legislators and that you know the criteria they will use to make decisions in the upcoming legislative session.
The Senate President and Speaker of the House will keynote this program to present their legislative priorities for 2020. Then, in table discussions, you will have the opportunity to discuss critical public policy issues with legislators. At last year’s Legislator Meet and Greet program a third of Alaska’s legislators joined us for an outstanding luncheon which received very favorable responses from both legislators and Commonwealth North members.
This is not a campaign, political debate, or cross-examination. It is an opportunity to discuss key issues with well-informed, thoughtful Alaskans.
Register online or RSVP to (907) 566-2396.
Thank you to our program sponsors!
Sponsorships Available
Contact the CWN office at events@commonwealthnorth.org for details.
