Eugene: What was your experience walking the halls of the Capitol today, Amy?
Amy: I noticed the halls of Juneau were buzzing about the Governor’s pending press conference and the realization that his gas line is all but dead. Later in the day, I heard whispers that the Governor was starting to float the idea that Alaskans could go-it-alone on a gas line; an idea that didn’t seem to resonate with anyone I spoke with.
Eugene: Any reaction to Lisa’s speech?
Amy: Senator Murkowski gave her address to the legislature. After the speech, people were talking about her newest opponent; Anchorage Attorney, Margaret Stock, is challenging her in this year’s U.S. Senate race, and if the rumors are true, Stock is heavily supported by Democrats.
Eugene: What are some takeaways from today, overall?
Amy: I met with a number of legislators today, and for the most part many have heard the message from Alaskans to cut, cut, and cut again before any new taxes. My big takeaway: some legislators are ready to make big cuts, and most view Walker’s plan as unrealistic and, frankly, a disaster.
Eugene: How do you see it unfolding, solving this budget crisis?
Amy: It appears the ultimate solution to the budget issue will be a multi-year, long term, solution that will address the foundational cost drivers of the budget. I end my trip Thursday, and there is no doubt that this saga will play out over the next few weeks. I do expect they will make substantial cuts before an income tax, but what those cuts will look like, what reforms will look like, and how they get there are all unknowns.
Eugene Harnett is editor of APEonline.org and Amy Demboski is a member of the Anchorage Assembly.
