Program not fair
Published Wednesday, July 2, 2008
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To the editor:
I disagree with Gov. Palin’s proposed $1,200 energy payout to each Alaskan who receives a permanent fund dividend. Is it fair for my neighbors who have eight to 10 children and already receive help from the state through its social programs to receive over $12,000 and a person who lives by himself gets $1,200? It costs just as much to heat my house as it does the big family’s.
I think the energy help should be per household and not individuals. I commend the governor for her wanting to help but let’s not go overboard with this money.
There’s better use, such as a bridge over the Knik and the roads in the Interior, especially the Richardson Highway. I hope the Legislature will take a good look at this program before making a decision.
Glenn Shields
Delta Junction
Community Discussion
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We haven't even received a dime yet, but already, complaints from the complacents that their share isn't as big.
You know, Mr. Shields, they (the state) could simply do nothing, would you rather that?
Does this guy live alone in a house that could hold 8 to 10 kids? If so he has nothing to complain about, he should move to a smaller home so his heat would be less.
I agree that it should also go to head of household or homeowner, not to each individual.
Raise the number if you must, but one per family is quite enough.
If someone has 8 or 10 kids, I can't imagine a career in Delta Junction that would pay enough to keep the family clothed, fed, and sheltered, much less warm.
Why not look at the $12,000 as an opportunity to get to know your Delta neighbor (and the kids) better while you visit and warm your hands?
The question again is if the proposed money is for FUEL or the COST OF ENERGY. A family of 12 children (WOW) uses much more energy than a family of one, thus money per person makes sense. For instance, grocery prices are going up (because of the cost of fuel), and the above mentioned family uses more, say, milk, than does the family of one. I still have not read the proposal, but jeez, help is help. Be happy if you get some help; don't begrudge others the help they get.
I liked the idea of just subsidizing the cost of energy directly.
meaning, the state would pay for half of all residential electric bills or something, and half of fuel oil... immediately dropping the cost of energy, while not making us pay income taxes to uncle sam.
i like the ideal of per person. everyone makes a good point and true a family of 10 to 12 need all the help to keep food and heat in their homes this winter.
a single person can jump on a plane or head to anchorage pretty cheap compared to any large family. we need not to worry about what others recieve.
peace
The family of 12 should have planned ahead a little more if they need that much help....
Maybe they could have limited the number of children to 2-3 if they could not support 12!
We are becoming more and more a welfare state
I disagree with the subsidization of residential electric bills also - because people would not change their habits...just use more!
When I was a kid my mother used to say "Swanny, don't worry about what other folks may complain about. Some folks would complain if they were hanged with a brand new rope." Frankly, I'm too busy trying to manage my own resources and I'm grateful for any help I can get. I don't have time to worry about whether or not my genetically prolific neighbors may receive more that I.
Odds are pretty good that if we start fighting over "individual versus household" or "need versus greed" none of us will get any help at all. It will just become another excuse for legislators to spend lots of time and money blowing hot air at each other and refusing to take real action.
So, if were to provide a link here to, say, Negative Population Growth, or maybe, VHEMT (Voluntary Human Extinction Movement), would that violate the user agreement and lead to the removal of my post?
so rather then help heat our homes, lets build another way into anchorage? Did I miss something here?
"So, if were to provide a link here to, say, Negative Population Growth, or maybe, VHEMT (Voluntary Human Extinction Movement), would that violate the user agreement and lead to the removal of my post?"
Judging from my experience, I would say yes.
Hilarious! I'm amazed! Trully! This is great, keep 'em coming folks!
The reason is, of course, that we are all equal shareholders in the money (resources)--rich or poor, young or old.
Rather than being viewed as assistance, it should drilled into everyone's head that it is profit-sharing.
And $1,200.00 bucks is a pittance compared to what should really be each of our share.
The state should cut loose of more of our money to each of us equally so that we can decide for ourselves what is best for us.
It is an elitist mentality to believe the government knows what's best for us, and should spend all OUR money for us.
Especially during these windfall times. Our profit-sharing should reflect that.
there is no reason under an energy assistance program or a heat program that a family with the luxury of a big house should get alot more help then the say a person living in a smaller house simply cause they cant afford a bigger house or just didnt want a bigger place. since both places need to be heated thru the winter and need electricity is it fair to tell the single person living in a smaller place that you recieve less help? it should be the same amount of help per household, no matter if theres 6 people living there or 1 person.
hambone---
Are you saying that single people should leave the Interior?
What about widows, widowers, and divorced people? What if I cant stand Anchorage? What if I've been here longer than you've been alive? Do I still have to leave? Even if I dont want to?
I kind of think that the proposal described by Thomas makes a heck of a lot more sense. That would help ALL OF US survive the winter, and keep Uncle Sam from getting a cut.
As a resident of Delta, I must defend Mr. Shields. You folks from Fairbanks don't fully realize to what he is referring.
cyber - "If someone has 8 or 10 kids, I can't imagine a career in Delta Junction that would pay enough to keep the family clothed, fed, and sheltered, much less warm."
The career that enables a Deltan to raise 12 kids is being "foreign born". We have allot of families in Delta who came from another country. I stand behind them at the local grocery store and watch the food stamps change hands. Not to mention the energy assistance already in place. Foreigners have in place a system that helps them through the process of acquiring as much state aid as possible to help them pay for their dozen children. Mr. Shields is one of many in this community who work hard and see foreigners drive new cars while on state aid.
Delta Junction should change their name to "Little Russia".
I agree with Mr. Shields. If this is energy assistance, then it should assist with energy costs alone. Even with my family of four, fuel oil would have to rise to $8 a gallon before the proposed program covered only the cost of the energy to heat my home. Not that I could not find other uses for the aid, but if the intent is heating assistance, then it should be limited to that use.
And, why this attachment to the PFD? This assistance should be made available to those paying to heat their homes, in Alaska, while they are living in them - regardless of their eligibility for the PFD.
"Momma, do you love me?"
"Yes, but we only had you because we need the income you generate, Johnny."
$1200 for adults, $600 for dependents.
The PFD has been exempt from counting as income for various social programs. So far I have not heard that this check if issued will be considered the same way. This just may be what is needed to cut the rolls for all the free programs.
Corinne,
Great point!! This is NOT A HAND OUT!! It is PROFIT SHARING, and as you point out, just a pittance!! People should understand this and quit making it sound like welfare!
bah bah immigrants
bah bah welfare
bah bah social services
come on people. If someone has a family of twelve, thats an impossible task to take care of and most big families are not just in it for the money, paticularly in immigrant cultures who are often accustomed to larger families. Social Welfare has a purpose, a dang good one, when its not abused. I was on welfare myself, after being so severely ill I could not work, the difference is that when I moved up here I took a job even though it was less money that welfare because of my own ethics. Yes it cost a lot, but if it weren't for that blasted social welfare state I would have been forced to live with my parents or on the street instead of having a productive job.
Quote "There’s better use, such as a bridge over the Knik and the roads in the Interior." Wow, lets really waste the money....
Imagine having to live with your family when times are hard. Easier to live off the government, then have to move home with your parents. And on top of it, you would have been forced to live with them. It's this type of attitude that has made social welfare a generational problem.
The family with ten kids pays for a lot more energy than the single adult does because the single adult doesn’t have to take there kids everywhere and keep reminding them to turn off the lights. so stop your wining!
The negativity on these blogs is amazing. Not everyone that has 10 to 12 kids is foreign born or on welfare. As far as I can tell, just about everyone I know is hurting from the high cost of gas, oil, electricity, food, etc. We're all in this together folks, no matter what nationality, race, creed, religion, gender. These high costs do not discriminate against who it affects. How about a little tolerance!
Delta has the Internet?
Even better, lets send $1200 to each "resident"(wink, wink) living in the lower 48.
It should be a base amount for each house hold. It doesn't cost a family of 10 ten times as much as a single person. Yes prices are up on everything but you made the choice to have multiple kids, use coupons and buy non-name brand for your groceries. I still only pay 2.69 for my milk.
Some of you want to talk about "fair". Well I had a baby in March and the baby won't qualify for this if it gets passed so how is that "fair". There are now 3 people in my house hold and we will only get paid out for 2. And I am not complaing any help we get is always nice, but it should be one amount per house hold not per person.
It should not be treated the same as a dividend!!!
None of us should even start counting on it anyhow!
How about we all be grateful for what we are getting our selves, and mind your own business. The grass is always greener, you know. At least our governor is trying to give something to everyone not just the lowest income like most assistance programs.
I am a 30 year resident of Delta. Many of my friends, neighbors, and co-workers are Russian immigrants. They do indeed have 10, 12, 16, 18 kids. (No exaggeration). Most apply for and receive every government hand-out available. Debit cards for food, WIC, heating assistance, weatherization, Denali Kid Care, assistance to help pay hospital bills when another child is born, and so on. This is their way. As long as the government has hand-outs, they will take advantage of them. They are no less honest than you or I am, this is just how they have learned to live. Some speak no English, and I have seen them at the teller at the bank cashing $26K in PFD checks, needing an interpreter to help. Yes, they do live through the harsh winters, some do work hard to provide for their family, but most will also keep right under the maximum income guidelines to enable them to receive help. You should see it around PFD time. They throw together a couple checks and purchase many many gallons of fuel, paying cash or using their Alaska Airlines Visa so they can get free tickets! Then, because it is now fall time and seasonal workers are now unemployed, they wait a month and then apply for Heating Assistance. They had no income the prior month, but paid lots and lots for fuel. Therefore, their Heating Assistance check is quite sizable. I would imagine their ears are perking up and they are following this closely. "Gimme Gimme Gimme. It's my right. I moved here, I took the citizenship test and I deserve it." An energy assistance check for each person who receives a PFD is absurd.
i don't think it's a waste of money. it's a solution to most peoples problems. we haven't even got the affirmative yet and people are blasting the idea already. the profit sharing is a great idea and a great way to look at this proposal. it's how you view it that determines how you shape your opinion. if you're a disgruntled neighbor living amongst immigrants, yup, it seems unfair to those of us who are natural born residents. but how do you narrow it down to natural born residents without getting sued by the "new citizens" for discrimination? my vote would be for the narrowing down process but that would probably open a big can of worms and delay the payout.
I believe some of us have the lost the point that this one-time energy assistance plan is to "supplement" the increasing cost of energy, not pay for the whole damn thing.
My family of three will receive $3600, ...which is 1/3 of my 2000 gallon oil tank. I only need 800 gallons to get me through a whole year. The left over money I intend to use to "supplement" my automotive gasoline bills. Sure, it won't pay it all, but that was never the intention of this program.
Unfortunately, this program's intentions are in the right place, but it seems some are quick to consider it a handout, welfare, "socialized" programs. This is a one-time supplement designed to assist. I vow to try and remember this when discussing this topic.
I often wondered what if it were required that the PFD was mandated to be placed in an account for every child under 18 and then given to them when they became of age or left the State with their parents. I am sure parents out there are saying it is my right to this money. Think about it. I am sure a lot of young people would have a better chance at staying in Alaska if this happened.
PFD is never a for sure source of income and should not be counted on.
Santaclara - it is not right to abuse or purposely not work to qualify for programs made to help people. They are there for the people that actually need help not the people that want to be lazy! You should tell your buddies in Delta that!
I teach my child to be independant, and at 16 years old is required to pay for extra's like a cell phone, car insurance, maintaining the car she will drive, saving for college, and anything above and beyond. I feel that MOST children that I know contribute to their household in one form or another, they survive our winters, and work jobs. just because they are not head of the house does not mean they are not intitled. There is no fair way to distribute this to make everyone happy. So unless you feel like doing the work and come up with a better solution and set it into motion, maybe we should agree to disagree and go with the present plan in place. I am in no way saying that it is the best way to do it but it is the fast way to get some small amount of relief now for people who need it.
I will tell my buddies in Delta. YOU tell the rest of the people. It's not only a local issue. People who choose to work the system know all the loopholes and use them to their advantage. I do not condone this practice, I am just stating a fact. It happens, it will continue to happen and there is not much we can do about it. If most of the folks posting here are interested in a "supplement", how about this idea? Take the LAST YEAR'S heating oil receipts, look at how many gallons of fuel you used, and get an allotment at your choice of fuel company for THAT amount of GALLONS OF FUEL for this winter. Do the same on the electricity. But then comes NEXT YEAR...then what?
Ya' know, the problem here is that everybody is getting all hot and bothered about something that is still an IDEA, and everyone seems to be jumping the gun and confusing issues.
If the government hands out an ENERGY ASSISTANCE payment that is different from a WINDFALL PROFITS DISTRIBUTION. I've got no problem with those qualified for a PFD payment getting a windfall profits distribution (well, I do feel the whole process of qualifying for the PFD is a joke but that's another rant - gotta use what we have in place folks).
The state of Alaska is making so much money from oil right now that they can't stuff it all into the coffers - distributing some of that to the residents of Alaska has to be tied to the PDF since that is the current method of distributing dividends to residents, period.
If this is an energy subsidy, it should NOT be tied to the PFD - it should be tied to energy costs and who is paying those. Maybe assistance with vehicle FUEL costs should go to each registered vehicle owner or state licensed driver... Assistance with HOME energy costs should go to each HOME OWNER or RENTER WHOSE CONTRACT REQUIRES THEM TO PAY UTILITIES.
If this is just the state's way of throwing money at problem and hoping it will go away, maybe they could just crop-dust each community with dollars. . .
No matter how this shakes out, a bonus payment from the state is not going to solve the inflation problems we are experiencing. It will, indeed, create a large economic belch followed by an empty feeling... sort of like drinking diet soda. . . just leaves you hungrier and thirstier than before because you got no nutrition out of it. Then you're gonna hear the ol' "Gimme, gimme, gimme" chant even louder than you do now.
It should be 1,200 per adult! who recieved a PFD last year or per
house hold
use the money for building an energy infrastructure that would exist and function independant of the world market. we would all be stock holders. this company can produce and refine various energy products for use of the residents of alaska. residents of nome would pay the same for gasoline and heating fuel that anchorage residents pay. subsidies would be forwarded to transportation companies that transport food and vital goods into the state from Outside to level out the prices we pay with those enjoyed nearer the market in the lower 48. alaska energy corp. would drill it's own oil, dig up it's own coal, refine it and distribute it independant of what world prices are, and sell it at cost.
I am against it even though I could use the money. Fortunately our lawmakers usually can not agree on anything and the only ones getting any money will be what they make during the special session. Pay for your oil and electricity with your PFD like I do. It will not cover all of it but it helps. Let's use the money for long term energy resources. People need to start living within their income. There are plenty of programs out there to help low income people. The middle class are always going to get screwed over. What are people going to do next winter or the one after that with this one time plan. My plan B would be to give everyone who wants it the money on the condition they leave the state and can not return for ten years. That would allow the older retired or disabled enough money to leave and be able to set up in a milder climate. Hopefully most of the deadbeat, welfare, abuse the system type of people with the gimmee gimmee you owe me attitude will go also. It will be a loss to Alaska losing the older retired population but getting rid of the deadbeats might make it worthwhile.
So do you think that the military members that live in housing; provided by the goverment; that qualified for a dividend should get the energy assistance too. They don't pay utilities so they shouldn't get the assistance.
Swanny & Fbkreader, I agree.
getreal - What is the motivation for singling out the military? How about adult Alaskan students who live in dorms? Or those who have their utilities paid in their rental agreement? Or those who live in government subsidized apartments/houses/etc? None of these people pay utilities...We absolutely have costs associated with higher energy prices though.
C'mon. If it's something that they are going to do, then basing it on PFD recipient status it's the quickest and least painful.
hey, free money, right? i ain't complaining....considering i do have five little ones running under foot...
getreal -
You make a good point. It really isn't quite fair is it? When I'm looking at $8K+ just to heat my home for the winter, and those other folks don't have that expense. One could easily make the case that home owners have all of the expenses of those that Dana mentioned PLUS they have heating oil expenses - so the homeowner's needs are obvious disproportionate. So I can see that argument.
However, we could argue this till the cows come home (which will be a long time, since I don't have any). Best just go with a workable (if inequitable) plan that is quickest and least painful to implement.
(I guess I should've had more kids... but that's another philosophical debate altogether)
ENERGY ASSISTANCE.... you don't pay ENERGY related utilities FOR HOUSING you SHOULD NOT GET IT!!!
The other people that you mentioned EXCEPT for the renters are already receiving ASSISTANCE!!!
Renters that have their ENERGY included in their UTILITIES should receive it because hello that cost is INCLUDED in their RENT!
1200.00 it should be triple that. Glad to hear more people agreeing that it is not a hand out i get so sick of hearing that it is our money but hey them politicians are the only ones that think they know how to use it best so screw them in my opinion. I bet we dont even see the money them great leaders will find a excuse to not give us our share.
C'mon people lets get real. How many Governors in this Union are actually working hard to make sure that citizens are taken care of so that they do not freeze come this winter? Not many so far! Let's look at it this way, any help, no matter what price is placed apon it, or program developed to help ease the burden of high energy cost, will/would/ most graciously be appreciated in my house hold, which is a simple family of two (my son and I). Thank the good Lord that she is looking out for us! But this program is only a temporary bandage to the real growing energy problem. Where are we going to be next year? What is going to be the price of heating a home and putting fuel into our cars next year? A band-aid can only hold on for so long. I do not have answers to these question because I worry about this myself. Then again I try not to worry about it because it will be more costly. In all regards the PFD is not fair either.
district heat.
getreal - Wow. Your anger is palpable, and I don't understand. The military (and others) who will potentially benefit from energy assistance doesn't take away from YOU now does it? Is it energy assistance or energy UTILITIES assistance, hmmmm? There does seem to be a difference.
There are all sorts of COSTS associated with higher ENERGY prices: gas and groceries to name two. While I acknowledge that there are no utility costs to military housing (some members don't live in military housing, btw), and while perhaps not "fair", it is a benefit of service to the country - part of the pay package that ANYONE who enlists can have. But thanks.
How do we address the renters who have their utilities included in their rent (hello?) but haven't had their rent increased? See? It's hard to navigate who "should" and "shouldn't" have access to the benefit of this idea.
Frankly, I don't think this is an issue of "should", but trying to determine "fair" on who "should" get this and who shouldn't, there's much more involved than your one-sided objection. Like I said before, the PFD seems to be quickest and least painless to solve the issue. Be grateful for any help you receive. I know I am - but NONE of us is entitled.
The proposal is the "Alaska Resource Rebate Program" (http://www.gov.state.ak.us/pdf/FuelTaxBi...), not the energy assistance or energy utilities assistance program. After re-reading it, it seems like it is a rebate to Alaskan residents based on the resources of Alaska.
Actually I am not angry at all...
I said the members that live in housing perhaps you missed that. Oh and BTW I was in the military so don't preach the military card to me.
Ummm last time I checked electricity is considered energy and electricity is considered to be a house hold utility so again energy asistance.
Like I said before be smart about the shopping look at ads and use coupons. As I said before I still only pay 2.69 for my milk, if you pay more then that that is your problem.
Are you a land lord? Probably not... I would sure hope that every landlord in the interior takes a good look at their rental fees and reaises rent accordingly... oh wait most places for rent now don't include any utilities. As I am a landlord.
And in my prior post you will see that I have stated that none of us should count on it and that I am thankful for any help that we do receive.
As far as it taking away from me. I work hard and earn every penny that I get I shop smart and reduce my bills where I can. I don't go looking for money or programs to aid myself and my family. I don't cheat the systems in place to qualify for any programs and I do not ever expect money to just fall in my lap. I don't "need" the assistance as some other struggling families that work hard do.
I bet most the people out there on programs or wanting the money have cell phones and have cable in the house how about cutting that out and paying for the nessecities that are at hand, instead of the I wants.
Like I said before any help that is given is appreciated and I am thankful for it. I rather see it per household then per person... or if it is per person then the state should be able to put stipulations on what it is spent on, if it is given for a reason it should be used for that reason.
I still don't agree with the PFD qualification just because it is "quickest and least painless"
I am sorry, and correct me if I am wrong but, the Military does pay for it's housing just not like most people do. When they move off of base/post that money is added to their check so that they may pay their rent/morgage and if they decide to live on base/post that money is removed from their check before they get it. Also they only get so much if their rent/morgage and utilities goes over that amount they loose that much more.
How about condo owners? They pool their resources through homeowner fees, and the group association pays the heat bill? Technically, they, we, are not paying a heating bill, but condo fees rise proportionate to fuel costs.
As the Kinks used to sing, "Life is so complicated."
Ok. I got it. You aren't angry. But why are you singling out military people? Shy is correct regarding military pay. It's part of the work-for-pay exchange.
IF you took the time to pay attention, you will note that I also said that there is no "should" here - no one is entitled to assistance. It is singling out one group that I take issue with. That's awesome that YOU work for every penny you have - no one suggested that you didn't. Those in the military work for every penny THEY have, too.
Beyond that, if you will read the proposal, NO WHERE does it say for utilities or energy costs. As proposed, it is the "Alaska Resource Rebate Program" - NOT the Alaska Energy Resource Assistance Program for Alaskans with Utilities. Just a thought.
the Dems. are not in office yet but the noose of Socialism is already tightening.
In all reality we are as a consumer ov are paying the price of rising energy prices. We pay for it with fuel, heating oil, food, clothing, electric bills, airline tickets, basically our whole realm of our living. Now to what is fair, nothing in this world is fair. Someone will complain about not getting their fair share, or so and so down the street is getting more toys then you. Let's grow up and realize we have to make serious changes in our life styles. We have literally become "fat" on our freedom and naive to realities of the rest of world. Europeans are paying a huge price for oil also, actually much higher then we are. Again, I say that if my neighbor down the street with the 6 kids can use that money, by golly so be it! As a matter of fact my friend who does have 6 kids is extremely resourcefully with his childrens PFD's and puts the money away for college then ensure she has money thru the year for groceries or activities for the kids. Her chidlren are dressed in clothes she bought at bargin prices at Value Village. When we talked about this money she made a few remarks as to what she would do with the money and quite frankly it was NOT buying a flat screen TV. Now, I have seen her food bill and honestly what she spends in week to feed her kids is not even in ballpark of what I spend in 1 month for my family of just 2! She was actually looking at buying a car or van that could transport her family safely and still be economic. Her SUV sucks the hell out of pocket book but what kind of car or van transports 8 safely. So why would I argue that what she is getting is not fair to me? Sorry I would personally do not want any of her bills! (lets not get into discussions about choices either). As for the military, well I served myself and know first hand, being stationed overseas, that pay is NOTHING. I lived in military housing also. Everyone's situation is going to be different. And sorry some people are going to say the program is not fair to them...oh well....2400.00 will really help me this winter! I am grateful for all that I receive in life and that is the way we should be looking at it...
I feel lucky to have moved to Alaska when we had a few real Sourdough's still living here.
If they ran into a problem they found a solution to the problem.
It would seem if you have any problem these days, you get out the state directory and call for help. What a shame.
I would like to live on the Rivera, but I can't afford it. If you can't afford living in Fairbanks, do something so you can afford it or look for someplace to live that you can afford. How many of you are willing to live in a waterless cabin where you have to burn wood, if this meant you could remain in Fairbanks. Take a look at what you have and for Pete's sake make a decision. Stop this pity business for people who got themselves into these situations. Instead of feeling sorry for them, try giving them a taste of reality. I have seen many people come to Alaska and realized they couldn't make it here , so they left. They didn't sit there and complain that the State needed to take care of them.
Yes it is fair. Are you paying health care for 10 people? $1200 per resident is fair distribution of the windfall. Everyone will need extra warm clothes this winter, pay more for fuel, and energy, and everyone shares equally in the profit from ACES. The proposal has provisions to offset low income benefits so that it doesn't artificially take some families off welfare. It will help everyone make it through the time lag bfore we get actual energy cost relief and the state gets a comprehensive plan on the table.
$1,200 is a considerable amount of money, but it is not really a lot of money when you look at how much a vehicle, home, or rent costs. If the state really wants the money to be used to ease the increasing energy costs, then they should subsidize energy such as fuels. I would rather see the money spent on paying state debt. If we have such a money surplus, why are we paying for things with bonds and not outright? Also, I can think of several roads in need of repair around the state. I have heard from some people that live off the road system that they like being off the road system yet do not like the expensive energy bills. If there were roads going in to some of the hubs, then it would be possible to deliver items such as groceries and fuel at more reasonable rates.
ONAPA---
When, or better yet how, did health care enter the equation?
This is about sharing OUR windfall, on a one time only basis(hopefully), to offset prohibitively high energy cost. OUR windfall. OUR money.
Those of you telling everybody to shut up and be happy with anything need to rethink your citizenship. Again, this is OUR money. And in our way of government, we all are cool throwing in our 2 cents.
If our legislature dilly dallies, and blows this, then we need to copy their names on a list of infamy, and make sure that they never, ever again have a position of responsibility in this state. They should all be immediately transferred to the honey bucket task force for the rest of their natural born lives.
onapa your crazy if you think 1200 per resident is fair. its intent is for help with heating and electric. ok so your telling me that residents on wainwright or eielson need help heating there homes or paying there electric bill? your crazy its all provided FREE. what bout the ones that are in the states that qualify as resident cause of military. send them the same check. the distribution needs to be per household. so like if theres a husband wife and 4 kids thats a qualifing household, if its just a single bachelor living in one house, thats a qualifying household. its simple and fair, unless you have lots of kids and think you should get more than the people who have decided to not have a soccerteam worth
I agree with hacksaw. When can I expect my check here in Kansas?
Move on folks if you truly need this handout Fairbanks does not need you. The russians in Delta are proof that this kind of thing just entices more of the same type of folks to the area.
Fairbanks under 50,000 is my idea of paradise even if it means a cabin and the dog team.
Pat
Handout...schmandout.
It's not a handout when it's your money.
Neighbor, here's 10 $100 bills for you to hold for me. I had a sudden windfall, and this money just appeared. Can you keep it safe for me?
Next day:
Please neighbor, if I'm good, can I please have $1 of my own money back? I promise to spend it wisely.
Keep arguing on who should and shouldn't get the $1200 peanut money. The way that price of oil and everything else is sky rocketing, the SUPPLIMENTAL ENERGY DIVIDEND might buy you a package of gum to exercise your jaws...and that is all that it is going to buy.
Come on Legislature and Governor Palin; get the check in the mail before the first frost or you are going to miss all the "geese" that are headed south.
Move on needy folks back to Amerika with you.
Pat
thank you polarisdragon...
Where and how does health care fall into the discussion? The answer lies in the cost of living incurred by all because of the price of fuel. Everything is going up and to say that one resident Alaskan should be able to take care of their family's costs with one pittance is unfair distribution of the people's money. Last time I checked even children under 18 are citizens and are entitled to share equally in the state's resouces. I cannot imagine having to feed, clothe, house, and pay medical costs for ten people.
Yes, according to the constitution even the residents that choose to live in a cabin and are self sufficient and use no energy deserve a share of the surplus. Those residents that are in military housing don't get enough cost of living increase to keep up with the recent rise in fuel and every thing else prices. The commissary and exchanges also have to keep up with the local prices to avoid competing with the local economy. Those that are not present in the state but are Alaska residents also deserve a share of the 100% tax we pay to the state for oil revenue in lieu of having mineral rights. Read, understand, and abide by the Constitution of the State of Alaska.
From Article 1:
§ 1. Inherent Rights - This constitution is dedicated to the principles that all persons have a natural right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the enjoyment of the rewards of their own industry; that all persons are equal and entitled to equal rights, opportunities, and protection under the law; and that all persons have corresponding obligations to the people and to the State.
§ 2. Source of Government - All political power is inherent in the people. All government originates with the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the people as a whole.
§ 3. Civil Rights - No person is to be denied the enjoyment of any civil or political right because of race, color, creed, sex, or national origin. The legislature shall implement this section.
Also pertinent to this discussion is Article 8 which lays out that the oil revenue belongs to the people not the Government. We allow the Government to tax 100% of the revenue and use it for the maximum benefit of the people. Returning a fraction of the surplus resulting from ACES to the people that are the source and purpose of government would benefit the maximim number of Alaska's people.
I can't believe the number of people saying things like "you chose to have a lot of kids," and "you chose to have a big house," and "if you can't afford it just leave." No one could have foreseen the astronomical energy costs we are now facing. I'm sure they would have planned accordingly if they had known. I'm wondering how those of you who are fortunate enough to have the income to absorb the current costs will feel when it is finally expensive enough that you can't afford it. A young couple both working for minimum wage or slightly above absolutely can't afford an $800 a month fuel oil bill. A $10 an hour job earns just over $1600 a month before taxes. Rent or mortgage payment, electric, fuel oil, and gas for the car to get you to work eats up about everything two $10 an hour jobs pays. You still have to eat, and god forbid you have kids in daycare. The same scenario plays out for retirees trying to live on Social Security and their pension. Their options are very limited. Walmart can only hire so many greeters. People are hurting. They need help. I do believe any relief should be directed at those who are truly in need due to the high cost of oil, although the argument that all Alaskans own the resource and are entitled to share in the windfall profits the state is now experiencing does have merit.
Pat-if folks can't afford gas, they can't afford to move. And no, while I am furious at the rise in energy costs, I am not having trouble yet. Just in case you were wondering. Fortunately, I hate debt and have never carried a credit card balance and I paid my house off in only ten years, but unlike you I have a heart. I also have a 13 year old son and I wonder how in the heck he is ever going to afford his own place before he turns 30.
Ok people stop talking about the 1200.00 we cant have this handout sure the oil belongs to the people and is to benefit the people of alaska but stop asking about the money it is a handout. God forbid the money is used to benefit us like it suppossed to. Move south and leave. When i hear people that i thought were doing great start telling me the high fuel and gas and food prices are getting to them in a wierd way it mad me feel a little better. I dont know how a people afford these big houses and two cars and three or four kids that must cost a small fortune. But hey were alaskans if it gets to bad we can move into a cabin with no water and sewer and a wood stove and go back to the stone age. One thing about though what the hell do we do when we burn all the trees i dont really give a dink about trees but what happens when we run out of trees. We are alaskans though we as a people will figure it out without the state or government help.
Military housing is NOT FREE. Military personnel work HARD for the benefits that they receive - it's part of the payment for the sacrifices that are willingly made when one joins the armed forces.
Again, this is a rebate on resources, NOT an energy handout. Let me repeat: it is a REBATE ON ALASKA'S RESOURCES. Since the resources belong to the residents of the State, then it makes sense for every resident to qualify for any rebate that may be offered.
And for those of us who feel that this is a handout, the payment (if it happens) can be opted out of.
Q: Are you struggling to make ends meet?
A: I am not currently struggling but I am on a fixed budget.
Q: How much more inflation can you take before it affects your persuit of happiness?
A: Momma ain't happy with the price of groceries and gas and when momma ain't happy nobody is happy.
Q: If oil doubles again in the next year, are you willing to use a honey bucket?
A: If crapping in a bucket is what it takes to be considered a "real Alaskan" then I would call you a whimp for not going outside at 40 below! My family has been here seven years. We made it here too late to just claim land, but we saved our money and bought a few acres then built our home. We haven't been scared off by hard work, hard times, or a few sourghdoughs that are dillusional about the good old days when moose season was year round because there was no beef to eat.
The questions you should be asking your legislators:
How was $1200 decided as the ammount of the resource rebate when the state has a 9 billion dollar surplus? The rebate is 1.2 billion dollars approximately based on the PFD applications. I think it needs to be based on a percentage of the overall uncommitted surplus instead of an arbitrary ammount.
What is the long term plan for a resource rebate when ACES produces another huge surplus? We contribute to the high cost of energy by taxing our resources at increasingly higher rates as oil goes up in price. ACES is doing what it was designed to do, increase the wealth of all Alaskans and secure the State's financial future.
What immediate energy assistance is the state looking at providing to individuals and communities until the State has a comprehensive plan? Currently the Governor has proposed canceling the fuel tax which ammounts to 40 million dollars and developing solutions on a community basis. The State is already providing subsidies to the refinery, AHFC, and GVEA.
What input have you provided your representatives to help them make informed decisions about how you want your government to spend your money? You can bet the businesses making money on energy have their hands in our pockets. GVEA is an example. Instead of using profits from their most efficient plant to assist their members by reducing their rates, they are raising rates and asking for state assistance.
It is our money that the Government is trusted to spend for our benefit. I trust the Governor, but the legislators are still in bed with the corporate hand that feeds them until and unless we demand representation. Below is the link to the legislature you can get e-mail contacts for them and ask the questions you want answered.
http://w3.legis.state.ak.us/index.php
I wish the governor never proposed this idea - too many hands popping out of the woodwork...
She had a great idea on the TV the other day
GET RID OF THE STATE GAS TAX.....the state is flush with wealth and that would bring down the price at the pump a little...and we wouldnt be taxed on it and the state doesnt need it ---
also - maybe (with oversight) Subsidize GVEA so they can get damn generators that are not run on oil - maybe some hydropower, nat gas from nenana etc .......get the silly clean coal project in Healy back on track - from what I hear its bogged down mainly from the state....
do tangible things to bring the damn prices down -
Fix the infrastructure with this money while we have it - it isnt a renewable resource after all - diversify our power - build a damn nuke plant in healy!.... that would really be 'for the children' now wouldnt it - - - who cares if it takes 10 years....the kids would have all the power they need - - - cheap and clean
better yet - gimmie a damn windmill and ill put it on the hill behind my house...!!!
just keep the money - cause it will be ill spent by most anyway
I predict a large portion of the free money on this program will be spent on vacations and booze...
Looks like for some of you, no matter how much you have you'll always be $5 short.
If Sarah Palin is going to give us her debit card to pay for energy;
wouldn't it make sense to burn the fuel at one central location rather
than every individual in town installing a wood stove? The air quality
is regularly surpassed as it is. Wouldn't it make sense to burn it all
in one plant with a 200' smoke stack where the EPA standards are
enforceable? Whatever happened to the idea of District Heat?
Alaska is the Saudi Arabia of coal. We have access to the cheapest fuel available. The City of Fairbanks started looking at District Heat a long time ago. Lathrop/Ryan/ Hammee and Noel Wein Library were part of a pilot program way back in 1982... How is it working for them? If the State is looking for a way to help, why not foot the bill for some main extensions and help with service conversions for residents and commercial? District heat is 100 % efficient. You are benefiting from 100% of the energy you are paying for; as opposed to a typical boiler which is at best 75% efficient. Lets hear more about this. Lets ask our Legislatures why this is not an option on the table. A heating plant in North Pole could be a good option too as Flint Hills is in dire straights of cheaper energy.
Nobody seems to understand that our People-owned money, handed out by our People-run government, will do nothing but fill the coffers of big oil companies, who have pushed up the price of gas with massive market speculation. We need to get a handle on big-oil run amok, and not allow them to screw the American people with speculative markets like they're doing as we write.
We also need to invest in hemp farms, algae farms, and other sustainable, efficient, alternative forms of energy, like wind and solar, rather than keep applying little band-aids of relief to the hemorrhage that is our energy policy. Big oil is in the White House and big oil (and big war), has profited the most in the last eight years. Looks like, "Mission Accomplished!" ya think?!
Exxon/Mobil made record profits this year and last, on the backs of poor Americans struggling to pay for the high cost of fuel that affects every sector of their lives, and Exxon/Mobil will profit greatly from the energy stipend as well.
It's time we stopped blaming each other and put the blame of the high cost of living where it belongs, on the bought and sold legislators who support corporate welfare and insane energy policies that favor corporate profits over We the People.
Alaska could own and run its own gas pipeline, supplying natural gas at cost plus ten percent, and not have to be dependent on crooks like Exxon/Mobil.
I'll support nuclear energy when we find a way to take it out of the ground without devastating the environment, safely use the fuel, and safely bury the waste. When nuclear proponents tout how great nuclear energy is, they usually back down when I suggest the waste be buried in THEIR back yards.
Coal is not the answer either, as it's so filthy that 48 states can't eat the fish from their rivers and lakes because of the mercury that comes from coal-fired energy plants. We have the technology to create cleaner energy. How about we use the stipend to fund some state-owned hemp farms or algae farms? I got this film in my email this morning: http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/359.htm... I think it's high time we leave big oil in the dust of our wheels being turned by algae instead of oil. All we need is the imagination to think outside the big-oil paradigm.