Talking Money with the District 36 Candidates

By Allison Sayer

In our August 1 issue, I outlined the six District 36 Alaska State House candidates’ main priorities for the future and their thoughts on the past legislative term. This week I’m sharing some of our conversations about the state budget.

The Copper River Record does not endorse any candidate or candidate statement. Candidates are listed in reverse alphabetical order throughout the article unless they are being divided into groups based on their statements. Within those groups, they are listed in reverse alphabetical order. 

On Cuts and Revenue

To increase revenue, Cole Snodgress (R-Fairbanks) would like to close a tax loophole that benefits Hilcorp. Snodgress also feels a sales tax between 2 and 2.3% is the “least worst” option because it would capture some revenue from seasonal workers and visitors. 

Snodgress feels the state has “a spending problem, not a revenue problem,” and would like to see budget cuts across the board in state government, up to 17% per department. He stated the state should ponder “what do we have that can be contracted out to cheaper positions.” Snodgress was also in favor of a bill that did not pass last year, which would have returned funds allocated to state jobs that went unfilled to the state. 

Rebecca Schwanke (R-Glennallen) would like to see increased resource development to increase state revenue. The Pikka Oil Field and Willow Project on the North Slope are areas she would particularly like to see develop, in addition to other projects throughout the state. She applauds several recent lawsuits the state has filed against the federal government that are relevant to resource development and feels that “federal overreach” is a major problem for Alaska. 

Schwanke believes that overall, the “state fiscal budget is way too large.” Although acknowledging that the Department of Health and Social Services is “essential,” Schwanke feels there has been an “excessive increase in health and social service programs.” She advocates to “trim down our health and social services budget.” Schwanke added that after examining social services and education, “I could see very significant cuts in every other department throughout the state,” except for possibly the Department of Transportation. 

Dana Mock (R- Fort Greely) would like to see mining opportunities in eastern Alaska expand to increase state revenue. He would also like the state to “seriously consider a statewide lottery” with revenue going towards education. He added, “I think it’s kind of silly we do these Z tags that once you buy it it’s good for the rest of your life,” and wonders whether changing that policy would increase revenue. “I’m trying to find out of the box opportunities because I do not like the word ‘taxes.’ Once you start that you’re never gonna get it turned off.” 

Although he felt he needed to do more research to be able to recommend specific cuts, Mock stated, “The state has a large budget. I do know there are cost saving measures we could implement to help.”

Brandon Kowalski (D- Fairbanks) states that a patchwork of solutions will be needed to balance Alaska’s budget in the future. For revenue, he would like to look towards reexamining the structure of what “incredibly large corporations that are extracting resources from our state” are paying into the state budget, although he added that as a “pro labor” candidate he also “wants to support jobs.” “We don’t need to go after one source to get the revenue we need,” he added. “We have plenty of resources.” 

Kowalski advocates for a “strong capital budget.” He would like to see the state work on “deferred maintenance” projects and believes this can create high paying jobs for Alaskans. Kowalski stated he would have to “take a closer look at whether the state is spending too much on anything,” but added, “I’m a reasonable guy,” and felt there could be some avenues to make cuts through reviewing the budget. 

Regarding revenue, Pamela Goode (R- Delta Junction) states, “There’s little pockets of money everywhere.” She cited the Alaska Municipal League $719 million investment pool, Community Assistance Program (CAP) funds, of which she estimates at least $425 thousand is slated for the Copper Valley, and the Power Cost Equalization Endowment fund (PCE) as some examples. “Where is that money going?” she asked. 

Goode added, “cautiously,” that “[the state has not] readdressed mining and taxes on that for many years. I’m not saying it needs to go up but maybe it needs to be readdressed.” She also would like to reexamine how pipeline funds are distributed, stating that currently Valdez and the North Slope benefit greatly compared to other parts of the state. Goode is firmly opposed to sales or state income taxes. 

Goode states that reducing “the scope and size of government” is among her first priorities. She states that the state budget is “too large” and contains too much funding for “special interests.” She also felt that cost of the legislative session running for 120 days as opposed to the regular 90 was unjustified. 

Both Goode and Schwanke noted that many state expenditures are matching funds to federal grants. However, both candidates feel that this path creates a larger budget overall and is not the right direction for the state. 

To increase revenue, James Fields (Libertarian- Glennallen) states “Alaska has to continue to try to develop resources. That’s the way we make money.” Fields also would like to “work with federal delegates,” to reduce regulations on building new processing or refining facilities. 

James Fields stated, “Budget wise I’m a conservative libertarian- less regulation, less bureaucracy, more contract type services.” He would like to see many state departments “use contract services to get some of the jobs done. When that job’s over move on.” 

On the PFD

Snodgress, Schwanke, and Goode expressed that recent PFD distributions amounted to a “tax” on Alaskans, and stated advocacy for a “full statutory PFD” is among the major priorities in their campaign.  

Mock stated he would like to see the state government “balance the budget so we don’t take from the people,” and lists “protecting the PFD” as a high priority in his campaign. 

Kowalski stated, “I’m all for getting people the best PFD we can without hurting the state,” and hopes the state can “grow the PFD” with increased revenue. 

Fields stated that the PFD “chews up too much legislative time,” and is used as a political “ping pong.” He’d like to see the legislature “come up with a solution and be done with that,” whether that means a change to the PFD formula, an amendment voted on by the people, or another resolution. 

On Education Spending and the Base Student Allocation (BSA)

The Base Student Allocation (BSA) is the amount the state distributes to each school district based on the number of students they have enrolled. 

Schwanke, Mock, Kowalski, and Fields support an increase in the BSA, and all expressed disappointment that it did not pass in the last legislative term. Schwanke stated that costs for districts including fuel and insurance among many others have gone up, leaving less for instruction. Mock stated his school district has “trimmed the fat, trimmed the fat… but now we’re cutting meat.” Kowalski identifies the BSA as one of the primary issues in his campaign. 

Snodgress says “It’s always worthwhile to invest in the next generation,” however he adds the caveat that he feels administrators should be “held accountable” for “how [they] are utilizing the funds to hit [their] targets” in terms of student core subject proficiency. 

Goode did not state opposition to increasing the BSA, but also states there is “no guarantee the money would make it to students or teachers.” She advocates for a task force to ascertain whether money is being distributed properly and whether the system could be “fine tuned.”

Schwanke and Mock would like to see teachers’ health insurance be part of the larger state pool to reduce costs for districts. A bill to this effect came up in last year’s legislature but did not pass. Both Schwanke and Mock also support funding for career technical education or “workforce development” programs. Schwanke also feels districts could save money by being stricter about opportunities to turn in assignments late or pursue credits during summer school. 

Mock advocates for defined benefit packages for mid and late career teachers and other state employees, and Fields would like to see the state government give direct raises to teachers. 

Please be sure to view candidates’ websites or contact them personally for more information: James Fields: fieldsforstatehouse.com; Brandon P Kowalski: brandonforalaska.com; Dana Mock: danamock4hd36.com; Rebecca Schwanke: schwankeforstatehouse.com; Cole Snodgress: cole4house36.com. At press time, I did not have a working link for a website for Pamela Goode, but her Facebook page and YouTube channel can be found by searching “GoodeforAlaska.”

Part I of this article is available on our website: www.copperriverrecord.net. The Alaska Beacon has published a voter guide with information about this and other races available at www.AlaskaBeacon.com. 

To learn more about how, when, and where to vote in the August 20 primary, visit elections.alaska.gov or contact the Division of Elections Region III Office at (907)451-2835.