For decades, politicians have talked about the need for a long-term fiscal plan to stabilize state finances. Yet time and time again, those conversations have ended with no action. This inaction is why Alaska has the most unstable fiscal approach in the country.

Next session, I will introduce a fiscal plan that I hope the legislature will act on. Raising taxes on the people and businesses that are already here is anti-growth. Instead, my fiscal plan will focus on predictable revenues built on a stronger private sector, restraining the growth of government, and capitalizing on the many incredible opportunities in front of us. My plan will also incentivize diversifying the economy so that we’re not just reliant on oil.

Alaska’s future is bright, but we have to have discipline and be forward-thinking now so that our short-term budget challenges don’t turn into long-term burdens on Alaskan families and businesses. If we make the right choices today, we can lay the foundation for prosperity for Alaska for decades to come.