No, balancing the state’s budget isn’t the same as balancing your checkbook. The state, after all, can collect taxes from other people if it needs some extra money.<\/p>\n
But narrow the thousands of line-item expenses and income to a few big things that are the main focus of debate at the Capitol, and the process is roughly similar to coming up with a spending plan for food, clothing and shelter.<\/p>\n
For instance, you can give the people a big Permanent Fund Dividend or lots of money for supposedly cash-starved schools. But not both. Unless you’re willing to subject your subjects to a statewide sales tax.<\/p>\n
A chance for residents to assemble those pieces as they see fit — without worrying about nasty political realities such as getting the House, Senate and governor to agree despite their differing political leanings — is offered in the online-adjustable spreadsheet accompanying this article. While it deliberately avoids the vast complexities and range of options lawmakers will be dealing with during the month ahead, it hopefully conveys the major dilemmas they face.<\/p>\n
Below are explanations of major revenue sources that either exist or can be added\/modified, and major spending items that can be adjusted. Because the House, Senate and governor largely agree on the vast majority of items in what’s essentially a status quo budget, options to adjust those (a.k.a. doubling the Alaska Marine Highway’s funding or getting rid of 50% of the state’s administrative staff) are not included.<\/p>\n
Also not included are some items that, while highlight issues of debate during the session, don’t appear to have a realistic chance of passing or having a fiscal impact.<\/p>\n
Increasing public employee pensions was one of two priorities announced by the bipartisan Senate majority at the beginning of the session, for example, but Senate President Gary Stevens said Tuesday it does not appear such a change will occur this year. Similarly, an income tax bill<\/a> being proposed would likely not begin collecting revenue until 2025.<\/p>\n