The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority has repeatedly boasted that its earnings last year—$65 million—were strong enough that it contributed $20 million to the state general fund.
It was that boasting, in part, that led the State Senate to decide that AIDEA should contribute $32.5 million to the general fund, an increase of $12.5 million from the amount approved by the board.
But AIDEA’s cash income should be tapped to do more to fight the Dunleavy deficit.
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When the Senate Resources Committee advanced a bill to close the Hilcorp loophole, Anchorage Sen. Matt Claman said he had “no recommendation” on the bill, which is tantamount to saying he wants the loophole to remain.
Claman’s opposition could be crucial in blocking the bill. I have asked him to explain, but he has not responded so far. Alaska news organizations have yet to examine his opposition.
Closing the Hilcorp loophole, an idea that is understandably unpopular with billionaire Hilcorp Owner Jeff Hildebrand of Texas and his employees, would be a small step toward a sensible Alaska fiscal plan.
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“This week, we learned that the federal government has revoked visas for four individuals affiliated with UAA — one current student and three recent graduates in post-graduation training — without prior notice. No students at UAF or UAS have been affected to date. Our staff are monitoring immigration records daily and are working to support impacted individuals,” UA President Pat Pitney said Monday in a letter to university staff and students.
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When the Senate Resources Committee advanced a bill to close the Hilcorp loophole, Anchorage Sen. Matt Claman said he had “no recommendation” on the bill, which is tantamount to saying he wants the loophole to remain.
Claman’s opposition could be crucial in blocking the bill. I have asked him to explain, but he has not responded so far. Alaska news organizations have yet to examine his opposition.
Closing the Hilcorp loophole, an idea that is understandably unpopular with billionaire Hilcorp Owner Jeff Hildebrand of Texas and his employees, would be a small step toward a sensible Alaska fiscal plan.
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The Golden Age of Alaska has suddenly collided with falling oil prices, the federal cavalcade of clowns, enormous investment risks from Trump’s global trade war and the lack of a fiscal plan.
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Sen. Dan Sullivan has long supported cuts to Medicaid in Alaska, though he hides behind the claim that he wants to help the “most vulnerable” recipients, which is the way to preserve the program for future generations.
Translated, this means he support cuts for Medicaid recipients who are vulnerable, but not “most vulnerable,” a term that remains undefined by design.
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