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Everyone’s situation varies. But on the whole, a public employees’ union manager says work-from-home costs far outweigh the cost savings.

While a number of economists have pushed Alaska lawmakers to bring revenues in line with spending over the past few years, many now agree that setting aside normal fiscal discipline during the pandemic is justified.

According to a report, the annual cost of road repairs related to studded tire use is 42 times the amount of money the state generates in fees collected in studded tire sales and stud installation.

Dunleavy says his budget would ensure that the money the state spends matches the money it brings in — without new taxes, PFD cuts or drawing down savings.

Rural Alaskans don’t want a system that entirely relies on mail.

Observers note the state has largely stopped funding its own construction projects. Now most of the capital budget comes from federal spending.

Townsend was the dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Winona State University in Minnesota. He’s also worked internationally, serving as chief economist for the Ministry of Fisheries in New Zealand.

Gov. Bill Walker will unveil his upcoming budget Wednesday, and the backdrop isn’t pretty. To get Alaskans on the same page, budget director Pat Pitney has taken her talking points and a budget balancing game on the road. Sitka was stop number 52.

Knapp said he’ll retire from the top position in June, but will continue to work part-time to continue his research and public outreach about the state’s budget deficit.

Weekend plans for at least 158 diverse and influential Alaskans include right-sizing government and frank talk about revenue, taxes and tapping the Permanent Fund.