The Southeast Alaska Building Industry Association is committed to a strong and growing economy that meets the current and future needs of Alaskans.  Our members employ Alaskans year-round to meet the housing demands of workers, families, students, and retirees.  The recession Alaska has experienced the last three years has been hard on our industry and we are finally seeing some improvement in the economy, though employment has not yet returned to pre-recession levels.  Our members and employees value permanent fund dividends and want to see them sustained for the long-term. We also want to see state government live within its means.  We believe that the operating budget that the Legislature recently approved, with its substantial cuts, is something that our industry can live with and will not unduly set-back Alaska’s economy.  However, we have deep concern about additional, immediate, and enduring negative impacts that the Governor’s vetoes will have on Alaska’s economy. 

Based on the impact of permanent fund dividends on Alaska’s economy, as summarized by the Institute of Social and Economic Research, it is clear that a larger dividend, as proposed by the Governor, would not come close to offsetting the economic damage caused by the Governor’s vetoes.  

We respectfully urge the Legislature to override the Governor’s vetoes.

Sincerely,

Victor Banaszak

President of Southeast Alaska Building Industry Association