When state drew ACES, success ensued
Two years have passed since the Legislature enacted Alaska’s Clear and Equitable Share (ACES), a new way to ensure Alaskans get our fair share of revenue from our oil. Today the benefits of this legislation are apparent. The Department of Revenue says that, since its inception, ACES has brought in an additional $4 billion over PPT. With this revenue, we have been able to forward-fund education, invest in renewable energy projects and fund home weatherization for Alaskans all around the state. In 2008, with record high oil prices, we were also able to save billions for a rainy day, which arrived a little sooner than many expected when oil prices plummeted later that year.
Health Reform Update #7
After months of work, Senator Baucus (D-Montana) and the Senate Finance committee have released a bill. Today, they are considering hundreds of amendments. On the spectrum of health reform options, the Baucus bill most closely mimics the 2006 Massachusetts reform. Unlike the House Tri-Committee legislation (the other leading proposal in front of Congress), it doesn’t include a government administered public option. The subsidy levels, in initial release, are set lower than those featured in the house bill – so low that Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) has voiced concern that they’ll place an unfair burden on middle class Americans. When the bill leaves committee, we’ll take a look at how it compares to the House Tri-Committee legislation. Until that happens, though, I wanted to share with you some details about the uninsured population in this country
Fixing what is broken
More than 100,000 people in our state lack health coverage. Last year 18 percent of Alaskans had trouble paying for needed medical attention. Half of personal bankruptcies across America are caused by medical problems. At current rates of growth, the amount of money we spend on medical attention will almost double in the next 30 years.
Public option would be a fair competitor
Over the past three years, I have researched the track record of numerous health care reform initiatives. Based on that work, I am confident a properly constructed public insurance option will not harm the private insurance industry.
Here’s what’s behind health care debate
What has been labeled as a “decisive two-week period for the nuts and bolts of health-care reform legislation” by politicos is coming to a close, and new versions of leading congressional proposals are being released in rapid succession. The House Tri-Committee leadership released this latest bill draft on Tuesday. Wednesday the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee passed its version of the legislation.
Mr. Obama, Alaska is ready to work with you on pipeline
Dear President-Elect Obama, Greetings from Alaska, and congratulations. We, like all Americans, wish you great success in overcoming the challenges you face as you take office. Certainly one of your most pressing concerns must be stabilizing our nation’s economy. The unravelling of the financial markets, a sharp rise in unemployment, and a nationwide mortgage crisis all make for a daunting challenge for you, and for us as a country.
ACES bill is fair and spurs investment
Recently, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed a new version of the governor’s ACES bill. Gov. Palin praised our bill as a “reasonable” solution. The comments we heard from the public greatly shaped the direction we took. Many of you were concerned Alaska was not getting our fair share. A few were concerned that increasing our valuation rate might discourage investment. Still others wanted to ensure that we didn’t allow excessive deductions. We believe we addressed all three concerns.
Universal health care can work for us
A wave is beginning to build in state capitols across the country. In the face of inaction by the federal government, Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, Vermont and now California are leading the effort to promote universal health care coverage among their citizens. In May 2006, Gov. Mitt Romney signed a bill that ensures health care coverage for all Massachusetts residents. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently proposed a similar plan for the people of his state.
Constitution prohibits locking in taxes
With the release of the proposed gas line contract, it is time to re-examine the issue of whether we can, consistent with our state constitution, provide the long-term tax certainty requested by the producers. The short answer is “no.”
Senate’s oil tax bill is far too weak
Seven hundred million dollars is a lot of money, at least where we come from. It’s also the difference between what Alaskans would receive under the oil tax reform plan the Legislature’s international oil tax expert recommends, and the lower tax rate passed by the state Senate on Monday.
