In a healthy democracy, all sides generally recognize the legitimacy of the system itself, regardless of internal squabbles. In the United States, this is no longer the case. A January 2026 Gallup poll showed that 89% of all Americans expect high levels of political conflict this year, as the country heads toward one of its most decisive midterm […]
Approaching the 2nd half of the 2nd special session, the legislature has found a compromise on the operating budget, preventing a government shutdown. Now it appears there is some consensus on HB 111 (oil & gas credits) which the governor added to the call. Subsidizing the oil industry on the North Slope with tax credits […]
June 6, 2017 Dear Alaskans, For years, Republicans in the legislature have stonewalled all efforts to create a stable, durable fiscal plan. This must stop. We cannot accept a plan simply because it averts a government shut down this year, while all but guaranteeing one next year. The can has been kicked […]
We should be working hard on the budget, not playing games with voter emotions over abortion. While many of us are trying to work to find consensus on solving a nearly $3 billion budget gap, one of our colleagues unthoughtfully started an ugly battle on a woman’s right to choose this week. Here’s what I […]