Sorry for clipping out the 'neighbors' bit, but my point is that "stopgap measure", "couch cushions for change", and "is a distraction" imply that the size of t

Sorry for clipping out the 'neighbors' bit, but my point is that "stopgap measure", "couch cushions for change", and "is a distraction" imply that the size of the PFD is insignificant compared to state revenue. Or, the PFD size should at least be considered sacrosanct. Rereading your comment though, it's clear that you're mainly focusing on the legislators not dealing with the budget to your satisfaction. Closing the deficit caused by low oil prices/production will require more revenue or lower expenditures. However, I would note that governor Walker made a "hard choice" increasing revenue from the PFDs given that it caused voter outrage with people such as yourself. All of the money the legislature manages is the "people's money" since the government should be answerable to, and working for the residents of Alaska. --- Tangent, reading the statutes, it's painful to be reminded that Alaska was the first state in the US to pass a constitutional amendment denying marriage to gay people. > AS 25.05.013. Same-sex marriages. > (a) A marriage entered into by persons of the same sex, either under common law or under statute, that is recognized by another state or foreign jurisdiction is void in this state, and contractual rights granted by virtue of the marriage, including its termination, are unenforceable in this state. > (b) A same-sex relationship may not be recognized by the state as being entitled to the benefits of marriage. (§ 2 ch 21 SLA 1996)