Alaska’s approach to federal relief is critical
Author: Nils Andreassen
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Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposed use of federal relief funding is a good starting point to meet the many challenges facing the state. Those challenges are experienced differently by Alaska communities, so the breadth of the proposal helps to meet needs in a variety of ways. The Legislature will fine-tune this to make the most of these funds.
From a local government perspective, there are two priorities. First, Alaska’s cities and boroughs need the state to be in a stable fiscal position that allows it to fully fund things like school bond debt reimbursement and community assistance. There are dozens of other programs that directly affect local governments, but a proposed 50% reduction to the first and a 30% reduction to the latter results in the most concrete impact felt by local governments. Funding these fully would mean that those local governments who have taken on school construction and maintenance through the school bond debt reimbursement program, in partnership with the state, don’t have to cut their budget or increases taxes during what remains a difficult time for Alaskans. Full funding of Community Assistance makes sure that all local governments can afford the basic administrative load expected by the state; it keeps the lights on in many communities.