Opinion column

The Alaska Legislature already has been in session for almost six months this year and is scheduled for another special session on Aug. 2. Instead of arguing political ideology, let's concentrate on what is right and what is wrong, and focus on what is right for Alaska.

The special session debates are focused on three issues: First, a long-term solution to our budget shortfall; second, an affordable level for the Permanent Fund dividend; and third, the governor's effort to pass a constitutional amendment that would put the dividend and the Power Cost Equalization fund into the constitution.

A special legislative working group has been tasked with reporting back to the full Legislature prior to the August special session with specific recommendations to resolve the impasse.

The reality is that the state does not have enough money to simultaneously fund the services Alaskans want and need, pay a dividend based on the 1982 formula, and avoid an increase in taxes.

An increase in state funds can only come from one of four choices: Reduce services; pay an affordable (non-1982 formula) dividend; impose new taxes; or grow the economy through natural resource development

Services have been reduced over the past eight years as our population increased. It is doubtful how much additional reductions are realistically possible. Moreover, while budget reductions sound good as a general proposition, Alaskans don't want to reduce individual services such as education, health care or public safety. It is not a viable alternative.

That Alaskans do not want a tax imposed on them is seen in polling and in Alaskans' overwhelming vote rejecting an increase in oil taxes in 2020.

The enshrinement of the Permanent Fund dividend and Power Cost Equalization in the constitution would put that funding ahead of all other state needs such as education, health care, public safety, and other necessities of life. I do not believe this proposal is in the best interest of all Alaskans.

Growing the economy through natural resource development takes time and is not a solution for this year. Nevertheless, for future revenues, I would urge this administration to be more aggressive in developing natural resources on state and Alaska Mental Health Trust land, especially in mining.

Just one regional example: A 1991 U.S. Geological Survey study estimated the value of discovered minerals on the Tongass National Forest at $37.1 billion (expressed as 1988 dollars), and the value of undiscovered minerals at $28.3 billion (expressed as 1988 dollars). Obviously, the exploration that has taken place since 1991 and the escalation in metals prices has changed these numbers upward.

The bottom line is that it is highly unlikely the eight-member legislative committee will produce a resolution satisfactory to everyone. Instead, the Legislature must come together in a non-partisan manner and develop compromises based on what we can afford, using funds we know we have without spending future funds that only add debt or adversely impact the corpus of the Permanent Fund.

Further, we should not be manipulated by commitments to pass out free money at a level we cannot afford.

Resolution of these issues requires statesmanship and principled decision-making, not partisan ranker which solves nothing. Each legislator's satisfaction should be in doing what's right for Alaska and leaving behind a better foundation for the next generation. That is their challenge.

Ask your legislator to reflect on his or her oath of office to uphold the interest and needs of all Alaskans, both urban and rural.

We cannot risk a house divided.

Frank Murkowski served as governor of Alaska 2002-2006, and as U.S. senator for Alaska 1981-2002.