FAIRBANKS: The Greater Fairbanks (GFBs) Chamber of Commerce is recommending lawmakers continue cutting, renegotiate union contracts and consider privatization of services as part of the solution to the state’s fiscal crisis. The organization also suggests business-friendly new revenues and using the Alaska Permanent Fund earnings to help balance the budget.
That’s according to fiscal plan recommendations released by the chamber’s board of directors earlier this week and released at the business group’s weekly luncheon on Tuesday.“While reductions have already been made to the state capital and operating budgets, a consistent and predictable fiscal policy is integral to an overall plan and vision for business development and job growth in Alaska,” the document explains.
The reductions to state spending are explained at length, with specific proposals for evaluating services. “State leaders must undergo a thorough review of all state-funded programs and services to continue to reduce overall spending no state agency or program should be exempt from this review,” it reads.
The document targets the departments of Education and Early Development and Health and Social Services, which together amount to about 60 percent of the budget. Unions also are mentioned as a way to control state spending. During the session, the Legislature had attempted to not fund negotiated pay raises before ultimately restoring them.
