In his Feb. 12 My Turn, Gov. Mike Dunleavy states, “We did exactly what Alaska families and small businesses are forced to do when faced with financial hardship. We started from the ground floor and built an annual budget where the amount we spend aligns with the amount we bring in.”
Governor, Alaska families and businesses cannot throw out their budgets. They can’t legislate away their obligations. Without exception, every family and business facing financial hardship also looks for ways to increase revenues.
[House surprised with unexpected speaker nomination]
Do you suggest that a struggling family can start “from the ground floor” and create a budget in which the mortgage is no longer a core requirement? The health insurance premium isn’t needed? The child support obligation is deemed outside the core function of the family? The daycare provider should be paid less? The student loan payment is no longer a priority?
What responsible Alaskan families actually do is try to get higher paying positions. They take on a second or even a third job. They go back to school (taking loans if necessary) for retraining in order to enter a profession that pays more. Some take in roommates or renters to help make payments. Businesses improve products and services, and reach out to new customers and markets to increase their revenues.
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No, you did not do “exactly what Alaska families and small businesses are forced to do.” Refusing to consider revenues puts you out of step with every business and family in this state.
Janice Gregg Levy,
Juneau
• My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire.