February 19, 2018 Politadick

This person in Juneau thinks that the PFD Fund (ERA Account) is theirs to spend on government. She is for capping the PFD and changing the POMV. This plan is worse then taking over half of our PFD’s.

Instead of Capping the entire budget and reducing the budget by taking the needed steps (Cuts) to match what is brought in each year to make sure it is financial stable for the future.

Email and call her saying, “This is not what we have told you to do” also “Vote yes on Bill SJR1 and protect our PFD for future generations to have”

Senator Berta Gardner
Anchorage
Party: Democrat
District: I
Phone: 907-465-4930
Toll-Free: 800-331-4930
Email Me: Senator.Berta.Gardner@akleg.gov

What she has had to say:

“Senator Berta Garner:

Whenever there is a press availability our press person, Noah, watches it and makes notes to share with us. Here are some comments from the Senate Majority this morning:

Steve QUIN with KTVA: Couple weeks ago cited a Moody’s report that there was improved outlook from negative to stable. A second report also cautioned that if the legislature does not have a plan in place to prepare for another downturn, another downgrade awaits. Do you believe you have a plan to withstand another downturn?
Sen MICCICHE: We have a robust plan in place that covers the current situation. In that situation, we have talked about what happens if there is a substantial downturn for the long term, then no. No matter what plan anyone puts forward, if we have low oil prices, we will still have work to do. We put a plan together that covers the spectrum of oil prices that looks a lot like what we are looking at today. Takes into account a normal downturn. Passing a POMV that has a structured draw, yes, we have a plan that we feel covers that.
Sen HOFFMAN: I think the POMV needs to be addressed, but we need SB 26 to set the dividend and take the amount out of the legislature arena and governor’s arena. We had a presentation by Permanent Fund Corp which gave me some heartburn if we do have a downturn, it will take seven years to regain what we have. The state has to be vigilant in what we do. Governor’s budget acknowledges a $2.5 billion deficit. CBR is basically gone. Biggest savings we have today is the ERA. We as a state need to balance our checkbook. We need to know our future will be set.

This looks to me like their plan is still to rely on permanent fund earnings and inevitably cut dividends as the source of revenue. You can watch the Senate Finance hearing about the Permanent Fund here:

http://www.360north.org/gavel/video/…”