When I read the Empire’s article, “Alaskans appear apathetic as government shutdown approaches,” my first feeling was guilt that I didn’t attend the rally on Sunday. After I had some time to think, I became incensed.
I assure you that many of us are not apathetic. Many of us are angry, fearful and living in disbelief that this shutdown could actually happen. We are counting on our legislators to create a sound fiscal plan for our state. We are facing a government shutdown because thus far, the legislature as a whole has failed to do its job.
I am angry about comments that Alaskan citizens are apathetic because our citizens are not the problem. The job of passing a balanced budget rests squarely on the shoulders of the state Legislature, whether we are in a time of budget shortfalls or prosperity. As citizens, we do have the ability to express our concerns and opinions. We do not have the ability to create a fiscal plan and avoid a government shutdown.
A $152 million dollar cash out of state employees leave (which would be part of the shutdown) is not fiscally responsible and will leave our state in more financial trouble than we are currently in. The state government shutdown is simply not something our state can afford financially. In addition, many individuals and families would be severely impacted by the shutdown. The impacts of a state shutdown were well explained in the Empire’s article “State shutdown would affect every man, woman and child in Alaska — including the dead.”
It is time for the House and Senate to start doing their job and work together to create a sound fiscal plan for our state so that we can stay open for the foreseeable future.
Allison Smith
Juneau