SJR 23: Proposing amendments to State Constitution for appropriations and     spending limit

Written Testimony to the House Judiciary Committee; February 6, 2002:
I support the idea of a constitutional limit on State spending. However I do not believe the proposed $3.1 billion limit is realistic given the state population and ability to pay for a government of this size. Current proposed spending cost every man, woman, and child in this state over $12,000. For a family of 4 that's over $48,000! We need to think about this number for a minute and ask ourselves, "am I getting my money's worth from the government services provided"? Most Alaskan voters will say NO!

Some officials have suggested taxes as a means to support a government of this size. This might be a temporary solution to the budget problem, but will not even come close in the near future. There are simply not enough employed citizens in the entire state to shoulder revenues lost as oil production declines.

At current budget levels each working person in Alaska would need to pay over $26,000 to fund State government once oil revenues are gone. I know there are Federal dollars coming into the State as "revenue", but where does this money come from. A lot will come from the same few taxpayers! In the future, how many working people will be able to afford living here with that much tax burden?

Please seriously consider eliminating all spending bills not mandated by the Alaska State Constitution, and fully funding those that are. Once we get to this point, we will all know what the budget cap should be. Until then, let's make the necessary cuts needed while we still have income available to fund future essential government services.

Please vote NO on SJR 23 in its current form. Thank you.
Mike McBride; Kenai

Subject: BUDGET:
I view the budget deficit as directly related to the legislature's failure to control runaway spending. We should not cut essential services and should fully fund the constitutional mandates. However, there is fat in the budget. I believe the
citizens of Alaska expect you to find and cut the fat!
James R Price; Nikiski, Alaska
 

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