With Alaska legislative leaders at an impasse over how to address the state’s deficit, Governor Bill Walker is offering his help in hopes of nudging talks forward.
Walker says he has invited House and Senate leadership to the governor’s mansion Wednesday to begin looking for areas of common ground.
The Legislature has run beyond its scheduled 90 days, with a budget and fiscal plan unresolved.
While there’s general agreement about using Alaska oil-wealth fund earnings to help cover costs, there is disagreement about what else should be done.
Senate leaders have said they aren’t interested in a House proposal for an income tax. House leaders say relying on permanent fund earnings and budget cuts is insufficient.
Walker agrees with House leadership that a fiscal fix should include a broad-based tax.
