Opinion: Here’s why you should vote for Alaska’s fair share

Are you worried about decreases in your PFD?

Ballot Measure 1, which will raise taxes on certain North Slope oil fields, is on the ballot for Alaska’s general election in November. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Ballot Measure 1, which will raise taxes on certain North Slope oil fields, is on the ballot for Alaska’s general election in November. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Are you worried about decreases in your PFD? Do you want Alaska to have enough revenue to fund both a PFD and necessary state services? I’m a retired oil and gas attorney for the Alaska Department of Law, and here are my suggestions.

1. Don’t get your information from the oil companies’ multi-million-dollar advertising campaign. They are protecting their interests, not ours.

2. Know the facts. Section 2 of the Fair Share Act describes the attributes of oil fields covered by the act, and there are only three that qualify — Prudhoe Bay, Kuparuk and Alpine. They are tremendous profit generators, and Alaska is entitled to a fair share of those profits. The act does not apply to newer fields, which will continue to enjoy the existing favorable tax structure.

3. Recognize that SB 21 benefited the oil companies and devasted Alaska’s revenue stream. The promised increase in jobs and state revenues did not occur. Some who originally supported SB 21 now support the Fair Share Act.

4. Don’t vote against your own interests. Vote yes on Ballot Measure 1 for Alaska’s fair share.

Janice Gregg Levy,

Juneau

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