Chris Dimond

Budget

What are your priorities for the state budget?

Getting a balanced budget. Infrastructure and capital projects, education, Alaska Marine Highway: these three will be my main priorities.

PFD

Do you agree with using a portion of Alaskans' PFDs to fund state government? If not, what government services would you propose cutting or taxes would you propose raising to pay for it?

I believe an income tax with some sort of sunset language makes more sense as it has less impact on lower income families and children. Let those who can afford to give up their PFD use the PFD as a credit towards their tax liability. If we cannot get to an agreement on income tax, then I think we will need to keep utilizing the PFD. I do not believe there is much left to cut without causing serious negative consequences. We should look for efficiencies that may cost additional money upfront, but save the state in the long term. If there are places we can still cut without causing harm to departments or job losses, let’s look at making those precision cuts and transfer and train employees to vacant positions currently open.

Funding health care

Do you support the state paying health care providers less? If not, how would you limit state spending on health care?

No. I believe we should look at getting more workers onto private insurance. If small businesses were to pool together and create a private health trust that offered their workforce insurance, we could help offset the costs for the state.

Criminal justice

Where do you stand on the criminal justice reforms enacted by SB 91 and what changes (if any) would you like to see?

I believe the intent and implementation of Senate Bill 91 would have been successful had we funded the necessary components to make it successful. If we are going to make criminal justice reform work, we need to go through SB 91 and fund the components needed, or look at rewriting portions of the bill to ensure we are keeping law-abiding Alaskans safe.

Ferries

Would you commit to continue funding the fast ferries as other vessels join the fleet?

Yes, I would look for ways to try and keep them online for now. I believe it was a mistake to take the fast ferries out of service before the new dayboats were both brought into service.

Fiscal gap

We know that the state has a significant fiscal gap, particularly if you consider the Permanent Fund Dividend. What are your plans for closing the fiscal gap for the state of Alaska?

Essential state services

What do you consider the essential services the state should be responsible for, and is there anything the state is doing now that you think it should not be doing?

Cuts

Is there anything the state is doing now that you think it should not be doing? Is there anything you would cut?