Mark Begich

Protecting the Promise of the PFD While Investing in Alaska
As Gov. Jay Hammond said, “of one thing I’m sure … as go dividends, so goes the Permanent Fund. Cap, reduce, or eliminate the PFD and the fund will follow suit.”

That is why I support a constitutional amendment to permanently protect the Permanent Fund and maintain a sustainable dividend. If done properly, this approach will not only ensure that Alaskans continue to share in the wealth of our state’s resources by receiving a PFD as they have been promised, but will also put us on track for a more stable fiscal future.

The Permanent Fund contains two major accounts: the corpus and the earnings reserve. The Alaska Constitution prevents the corpus from being used without a vote of the people. The earnings reserve, however, only requires a simple majority vote in the Legislature. I would immediately move $14 billion from the earnings reserve into the corpus to ensure that it wasn’t subject to the whims of elected officials – today or in the future.

The heart of my plan, which I have called the “Invest in Alaska Plan,” involves using the percentage of market value (POMV) formula and includes:

1. Constitutionally protecting the PFD

2. Inflation-proofing the Permanent Fund

3. Using 50% of POMV formula for a sustainable dividend for Alaskans

4. Dedicating remaining funds for pre-K-12 education

Using this common-sense approach would:

• Guarantee Alaskans a PFD that today would be estimated between $1,600 and $1,800 a year
• Free up general funds previously used for education – this year that number could have been as much as $1.6 billion
• Protect education funding from being on the political chopping block year after year
• This plan would be passed by the Legislature and voted on the by the people because it is a constitutional amendment.

I believe my plan is the only plan that guarantees a sustainable PFD while also protecting the fund and its future from politicians down the line. Other candidates running for Governor have put forward very different approaches on this issue and I believe that they will all end with the same result: the end of the Permanent Fund.

We cannot promise unrealistic dividends without regard for the future, and families shouldn’t be left wondering each and every year if the latest round of politicians will take their PFDs. That is why I am offering this fair and balanced approach to protecting the PFD today and for generations.

EDUCATION – From Pre-K to Promising Careers
A strong education system is the most important investment we can make to ensure a brighter future. Because of our state’s size and diversity, we often face unique challenges that lead to increased costs, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have strong schools and robust programs that prepare our kids for the future.

That is why my plan to protect the PFD guarantees pre-K-12 funding to ensure that education funding is not subject to political bargaining.

We must also reform our education system – at all levels – and make sure our kids are building the skills they need to be competitive in the marketplace. Currently our system does not match the needs and opportunities in the state. For example, health care is the fastest growing industry in the state, yet until recently some applicants were waiting up to two years to get into the nursing program at UAA. And currently 70% of teachers in Alaska are from the Lower 48 – why are we not growing our own when it comes to filling these critical jobs?

If we want to build a better future for the next generation, we must:

• Guarantee Certainty in Education Funding: One of the best things we can do to help our schools is stabilize education funding. We cannot attract and keep the best teachers until we forward-fund education and provide a guaranteed source of income. My “Invest in Alaska” plan would ensure that the Permanent Fund would spin off funding for our education system each year. That means we don’t have to pink slip our teachers year after year. It allows school administrators to plan for the future. It also means that the Legislature can’t use the education system as a negotiating tool. Providing certainty to teachers, parents, and kids means a better education system for everyone.

• Prioritize Universal Pre-K: 90% of brain development happens by age five, which means birth to age five are the most important years to invest in a child’s development. For every $1 we invest in high quality early childhood education, the state gets back $7 in reduced public services, increased economic activity, and spending less on incarceration. Is it worth making that investment? I think so. We have a great early education program, one that shows real, sustained results, but it’s available to too few Alaskans. Access to high quality, affordable early childhood education is essential to raising the next generation of great Alaskans. Business leaders know that great employees come from kids that have access to quality education. Our current Department of Corrections budget is over $300 million a year. For a tenth of that, we could provide access to high quality early childhood education for every community. That’s why I am a strong supporter of universal pre-K without diminishing the current needs of K-12 education.

• Provide Necessary Resources: Education budgets aren’t keeping up with increasing costs of healthcare, energy, or inflation. School districts have been cut severely and we see that class sizes are going up, teachers are using their own income for supplies, and each school counselor serves as many as 700 students in some school districts, if those positions still exist. We must ensure education funding increases with inflation and real costs, so schools are getting the necessary funding, resources, and support from the State Department of Education and Early Development.

Address the True Drivers of Education Costs – Healthcare, Teacher Turnover, and High Energy Costs: Between 1999 and 2014, healthcare premiums have increased by 191%. Inflation was only 43%. Teacher turnover, driven in part by lack of stable funding, means it costs a school district on average $20,000 to recruit and train every new teacher. Rural schools pay up to 10 times as much per student as urban schools. We need to develop more creative and effective tools to recruit and train teachers and help foster strong bonds between communities and schools – both in urban and rural Alaska.

CRIME – Keeping Alaska Families Safe
Alaska has some of the highest crime rates in the country. Since 2008, our prisons have grown 27% – three times more than our population. A systemic failure to address the exploding opioid epidemic and substance abuse and decades of ignoring rampant domestic violence and sexual assault collided to leave few of us untouched by crime. What’s worse, two out of three parolees from our prisons will reoffend. Just being tough on crime got us to this point, now we need to be tough AND smart on crime.

• Address Drug Epidemic & Substance Abuse Issues: Drugs or alcohol are involved in the vast of majority of crimes. According to a report released in 2016, 65% of Alaska prisoners suffered from some form of mental health problem while 80% had drug or alcohol addiction. Alcohol and drug abuse are estimated to have an economic cost of $3.1 billion a year. There need to be adequate detox and treatment options that will help combat this disease and keep our communities safer.

• Coordinate State and Local Government Efforts: We need to better coordinate efforts between the State and local governments. Alaskans deserve a proven leader who will bring these groups together and move us towards our shared goal of a safer state. One where you know your car will be in your driveway each morning, and law enforcement officials are well trained and equipped with adequate recourses to keep us safe.

• Reform the Village Public Safety Officers and Village Police Programs: Ensure officials have the training and support to be successful. This means strengthening education and recruitment for troopers, prosecutors, and parole officers. We must also modernize the requirement process to ensure we are getting the level of officers we need to provide the services. A stable, effective police force starts with high standards for applicants and a comprehensive training course that doesn’t cut corners.

• Utilize Innovative Partnerships with Federal Prosecutors: Prosecuting crimes federally ensures maximum impact to crime on the street. We need to equip our federal prosecutors with the resources and tools they need to adequately charge criminals so offenders do not exploit the catch and release program and end up back on our streets.

• Fully Staff the Department of Public Safety and Department of Law: If our departments are under staffed, we cannot properly keep Alaskans safe. Both departments currently have funded, but unfilled positions that are costing taxpayers money without providing the potential increased services.

• Create Rehabilitation and Employment Opportunities: When appropriate, we need to make sure there are rehabilitation and employment opportunities partnering with the private sector and others that help promote a healthy, productive lifestyle and reduce rates of recidivism.

Creating Long-Term Fiscal Stability
If we want to see long-term fiscal success, we must create stability in our budgets. We cannot afford for our fiscal health to be solely tied to the inevitable ups and downs of the price of oil. Today, 30% of our current budget is supported by revenue from oil & gas with the remaining support coming from permanent fund earnings, fees, taxes, and other income.

I believe there are four common sense steps that would help stabilize our budget

1. Pass my “Invest in Alaska” Program: my plan calls for constitutionally protecting a sustainable PFD between $1600 and $1800, inflation-proofing the fund, and guaranteeing long-term funding certainty for pre-K-12 education. This would free up as much as $1.6 billion (based on the current budget) in general fund spending each year.

2. Reform Delivery of Government Services: There are innovative and creative solutions we could use to modernize government and make it more efficient – ultimately saving money. We need to restructure departments, eliminate wasteful paperwork, and focus on direct service delivery. This is not about cutting budgets, but rather maximizing the use of the available resources to deliver the best possible results.

3.Move From One-Year Budget Process to Two-Year: Moving to a two-year budgeting process will help create fiscal stability and certainty. This would also free up government resources that are currently constantly focused on planning the next budget and instead allow resources to be focused on working the current budget to get the best value. Move Away From Paying Cash for Capital Budgets: There is no reason that the government cannot function like prudent businesses, local governments, and families. This would mean using debt financing – through general obligation bonds – to provide a stable, structured approach for developing and investing in our infrastructure across the state.

4. I believe the above approach would not only create a sound budgeting process, but also create the long-term stability our state needs. After employing all these options then I believe we may have to review the revenues we currently produce and consider revamping or adding new revenues. This should only be considered after we have taken the necessary and responsible steps to improve and reform our current process.

HEALTH CARE
As Alaskans know all too well, we face some of the highest health care costs in the country. While these costs are a direct impact on family budgets and bottom lines, they also have systemic effects in areas like small business growth, education, and unemployment. In fact, a survey of local businesses found that health insurance is currently one of the top barriers to business growth. With our projected population growth, particularly among seniors, these costs will continue to explode unless we tackle them head on.

The silver lining, however, is that the health care industry is currently the fastest growing sector in our state economy. This is a clear sign that with the right policies in place, health care doesn’t have to be a drag on our economy.

That is why I support:

• Better Utilizing the State’s Purchasing Power: There are opportunities to reduce costs and deliver higher quality services by working with employee groups and finding new, innovative approaches to delivering services. Reports have already shown potential for significant savings by utilizing new, creative and innovative approaches.

• Increasing Transparency: This year, the Legislature passed a bill that requires providers to post the costs of common procedures, allowing patients to shop around for the best deals; just like we do for everything else we buy. I would expand this by executive order with the services we pay for. With over 15,000 employees working for the State, and the State being self-insured, we can create more transparency on what the costs of certain types of medical services and drug costs will be. This would create more awareness for our employees to ensure they are getting a fair price for the services they are getting.

• Moving Away From a Fee-for-Service Model: Fundamentally, our health care system is designed to make money when we get sick, rather than valuing keeping us healthy. We have a small enough population to experiment with new models of healthcare coverage where health insurers are paid a fixed cost per patient, rather than getting paid based on which services we receive.

• Eliminate the 80th Percentile Rule: Adopted in 2004 to protect consumers who must go to a doctor outside their insurance network, the 80th percentile rule requires insurance companies to cover 80% of a reasonable rate for health care services. In reality, it allows providers to increase what they charge for services knowing they have to be reimbursed by insurers for at least 80% of the costs. The Department of Health and Social Services could get rid of the rule today and require more clinics to become part of an insurance network, lowering their profit, but making procedures more affordable.

• Provide Clinics for Employees: The Anchorage School District, Municipality of Anchorage, and even well-known Outside companies like Amazon are experimenting with providing health care services on site to employees as a way to reduce sick days, make it easier to get preventative care, and control costs. The State should incentivize the use of clinics outside of Anchorage for public employees as well as pooling access for private employees. Utilizing these innovative approaches for delivering services to our employees just makes sense, as State employees are the largest consumer group for medical services in Alaska.

• Explore a Unified Health Care Option for Alaskans With Little to No Coverage: With our small population and high costs, not to mention a large portion of the State’s population covered by Medicaid, Medicare, Tri-care, and Indian Health Service, we could save money by pooling these Alaskans into a single health care option. We should not be afraid to look beyond our current system of delivery to find innovative approaches that produce cost savings.

INFRASTRUCTURE
Alaska continues to lag when it comes to infrastructure development. For the past decade, the amount of money dedicated to infrastructure has either not been enough or it has been poorly planned, leaving projects delayed or no longer viable.

Alaskans know that with our spirit of innovation and dedication to hard work, anything is possible. That is why we always have and always will have a desire for mega projects. We must balance that desire for new things with our responsibility to repair and maintain our existing and ensure our current infrastructure is at its best and safest.

When I was Mayor of Anchorage, we did not care who owned which parcels of land, we assessed all infrastructure projects with considerations for safety, economic development, and community support and we created a comprehensive list of needs. Then we went to work to get the job done. We reallocated money from projects that did not meet the new criteria and as a result we built more roads than the previous four mayors combined. I would bring this same no-nonsense approach to the State.

As Governor, I would:

• Reexamine the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP): We must start by assessing whether or not we are meeting the needs of all Alaskans – not just those that have the influence to push their project. Just like I did when I was Mayor of Anchorage, I would approach projects for capital investment by starting with an assessment of safety, economic development, and community support.

• Utilize General Obligation Bonds For Long-Term Capital Improvements: The State currently spends on average about $140 million for capital projects. I support taking $70 – $100 million of that current budget and using it for debt financing costs and bonding for a long-term capital improvement program. This approach could also be used to match local investments, getting more bang for the buck. This could leverage at least $3-$5 billion in investment over the next six years. Like all other projects, these would be subject to the safety, economic and community support criteria to qualify. Make no mistake that if the Legislature tried to add in any “pork projects” I would not hesitate to veto them. These are intended to be true “Community Investment Bonds.”

Getting Alaska Gas to Market with Benefit to all Alaskans
The goal is simple – we need to get our gas to market and ensure that Alaskans receive the benefit in doing so. If the gasline is going to be a feasible part of this process, it cannot be majority owned by the Chinese government. The ongoing trade war between the federal government and China is a reminder that we must balance the financing needs of the project with the responsibility to protect our state assets and sovereignty. We must also ensure that the gasline is one piece of any approach to a stronger economy – it cannot be the only piece. We must simultaneously manage the needs of other key industries and projects that support our economy like opportunities in the changing arctic, fishing, travel & tourism, and more.

As Governor, I would:

• Issue an Executive Order Requiring a Gasline be Constructed with a Project Labor Agreement (PLA): On day one, I would issue an executive order requiring a PLA for this project. This is how the oil pipeline was built decades ago and is the only way to guarantee the jobs created by this project are filled with our skilled Alaska workforce first.

• Prevent Majority Foreign Ownership: As Governor, I would refuse to engage in any deal that provides a majority ownership to a foreign government or entity that has interest counter to those of Alaskans. We cannot allow our gas to become controlled by a foreign government who has no interest or obligation in making sure that Alaskans are the first to see the real benefits of bringing our gas to market.

Economic Development & Job Creation
Alaska has a history of developing its economy with vision, ingenuity, and hard work. We have always valued the pursuit what is possible, not what is impossible. No matter how unique the obstacle or tough the environment, we have never been afraid to take on a challenge. But economic development will not happen by accident. We cannot wait passively for change and growth. As Governor, I will bring my vision, leadership, and experience to help get our state back on track and harness our true potential.

As Governor, I would:

• Create a Stable Regulatory Environment: If we want to encourage meaningful investments that will result in long-term economic stability and growth, we need to help create a stable environment that encourages businesses to invest in Alaska. Just like I did as Mayor, I will review existing regulations and assess whether they are utilized and/or effective – any that do not meet that criteria will be eliminated.

• Diversifying Our Economic Portfolio: When it comes to the resources we put behind marketing our industries, we must ensure we are not only focused on natural resource development like oil, gas, timber and mining, but also on our many other successful industries such as fishing, tourism, air transportation, health care, finance, and others. We must also look for opportunities to leverage and participate in the modern technology and innovation economy.

• Train our Workforce So We Can Fill Alaska Jobs with Alaskans First: The State must prioritize workforce development and ensure we are training Alaskans to be working in our expanding industries rather than importing these skills from out of state.

• Identify New Opportunities for Growth: We must identify and support new industries that are possible areas of long-term growth and potential such as renewable energy, our university system, small micro businesses, and more.

Rural Alaska
As I have said before, for rural Alaska to thrive, we must invest in the foundations of economic success: infrastructure, education, public safety, affordable transportation, job training programs, social services, and protect and strengthen subsistence rights. And we cannot adequately address any of these issues if we do not address energy costs. You cannot start a business, save for your kids’ education, or plan if you are forced to spend half (or more) of your income on heating and electricity. As Governor, I would continue to a be a partner with rural Alaska in my fight to move all Alaska communities forward. Specifically, I would:

• Create a Long-Term Rural Alaska Vision: As Governor, I will work directly with regional and village corporations as well as tribal and local governments, and our rural communities to lay out a long-term vision for rural Alaska. Then, we need to ensure that state resources and plans match the needs for that collaborative vision. Too many times, state resources are disjointed, too slow, or only prioritized in times of crisis. If we want to build together, we must plan together.

• Bolster Public Safety in Rural Communities: I will work with local governments and tribal governments to determine better ways to deliver public safety services. We need better coordination between Village Police, Village Public Safety Officers, and State of Alaska Public Safety Department to ensure that we have high-quality standards. We also need an Administration that will work with other state agencies and community organizations that can provide comprehensive services to help individuals in need of substance abuse services to help break the cycle of repeat offenders. As Governor, I would:

• • Ensure that Village Police Officers and Village Public Safety Officers Have Critical Training and Workforce Development Resources: This includes adequate training resources and a quality workforce that have the ability to properly enforce the laws and ensure communities are safe. As Governor, I would also include an exchange program as part of training that gives Village Police Officers and Village Public Safety Officers the opportunity to interact directly with local police officers and State Troopers.

• • Provide Village Police Officers and Village Public Safety Officers Adequate Wages and Benefits: As Governor I will work to ensure Village Police Officers and Village Public Safety Officers receive a livable wage and benefits that allow individuals and their families to view these jobs as career opportunities rather than just short-term jobs.

• • Develop Program with UAA to Grow our Own Public Safety Workforce: The State should work with the University of Alaska to create a program that works directly with our young people and helps them become Village Police Officer and Village Public Safety Officers throughout Alaska.

• • Utilize Tribal Compacts to Empower Judicial Services Within Communities: By utilizing compacts with the State of Alaska, the State can create more opportunities for tribal courts, community courts and Wellness Courts to be empowered when it comes to the delivery judicial services within our rural communities.

• Protect & Strengthen Subsistence Rights: Subsistence is a traditional and customary way of life that is essential to the nutritional, economic, and cultural well-being of Alaska Natives and rural Alaskans. As Governor, I would take any and all actions necessary to ensure that the State supports these critical rights. This also means ensuring that the State does not participate in any activity that could jeopardize subsistence rights like the State’s recent support of the Sturgeon case which could have devastating impacts on our rural communities.If the current nominee to the US Supreme Court is confirmed by the Senate, the federal protection of subsistence rights could very likely end and put rural Alaska’s people in peril.

• Implement a Comprehensive Plan to Reduce Energy Costs: All over the world, renewable energy projects are proving cheaper energy than coal, nuclear, and natural gas. Alaska has some of the most abundant renewable energy resources in the world including wind, tidal, hydro, geothermal, and solar. For us, it is a matter of prioritizing the development of these resources with the same passion as we prioritize development of our non-renewable resources and attracting investment to every corner of the state.

• • Move Alaska Toward 50% by 2025: I support Alaska’s existing goal of 50% clean energy by 2025. Alaska should strengthen that goal to a renewable portfolio standard just like those that have been implemented by 29 other states. Alaska has been stuck at 22% renewable energy for a decade. Alaska has the best microgrid research in the world. We should be testing technologies here and exporting our expertise to the military, developing countries, and states worried about the grid resilience.

• Continue State-Tribal Compacts: As Governor, I would continue the important compacts we have with tribal governments around the state as well as explore other opportunities where we can utilize these creative opportunities to more effectively deliver necessary services to our most remote parts of Alaska.

• Engage with University System to Identify, Create Opportunities for Success in Rural Communities: As Governor, I will engage our state university system and work directly with rural communities to determine how we can better coordinate to meet the needs of our young people living in rural Alaska.

• Break Down Barriers Preventing Alaska Tribes from Taking Land into Trust: During my time in the Senate, I was proud that after repeated pressure, the Obama Administration removed key barriers preventing Alaska tribes from taking land into trust. Allowing tribes to take land into trust gives tribal communities the control they need to protect and care for their communities – including adequate public safety. As Governor, I would use the full strength of my administration to take on the federal government and make sure they understood what the best interest of our communities is – no matter or how small or far from Washington, D.C. they may be.

Protecting our Values, Rights, and Assets
As Alaskans, we value our right to privacy and believe there are areas where the government should simply get out of the way and let Alaskans make their own decisions. As Governor, I will always fight to protect our values and ensure that my administration is a barrier against any infringement on our personal or state’s rights.

• Protecting a Women’s Right to Choose her Own Health Care: Alaskans were ahead of the curve in ensuring women have the right to make their own health care decisions. That is why Alaska legalized access to abortion in 1970 – three years before Roe v. Wade became the law of the land. I believe our next Governor and their administration will play a critically important role in protecting Alaska women from the current threats looming in Washington, D.C. when it comes to women’s’ rights and equal access to care. As the only pro-choice candidate running for Governor, I will continue my record of fighting for women to have equal access to quality, affordable health care and the right to make their own health care decisions.

• Protecting & Strengthening Subsistence Rights: The traditional and customary way of life, practiced for thousands of years, must be sustained for the nutritional, economic, and cultural well-being of Alaska Natives and rural Alaskans. That is why I am a strong supporter of subsistence rights for Alaska Native people and have built a record of fighting hard to preserve these rights. As Governor, I will continue these efforts and ensure that my administration understands, values, and protects these rights.

• Protecting Marriage Equality: I believe same sex couples should be allowed to marry and enjoy all the same rights and privileges as any other married couple. The government should keep out of our personal lives – if someone wants to marry someone they love, then they should be able to. As Governor, I will continue my fight for equal rights for all Alaskans and I will not let the rights of Alaskans become subject to the whims of the extreme agenda from Outside groups.

• Protecting Alaskans’ Rights to Hunt & Fish: Hunting and fishing are part of the Alaska culture. We not only value these rights as a way of life but take seriously our role in teaching the next generation how to responsibly hunt, fish, and carry on these traditions. That is why I have always supported the 2nd amendment and fought to protect Alaskans’ way of life. It is also why as an elected official, I have worked to protect not only our fishing industry, but also our fishing communities. As Governor, I will continue to protect these rights and values for Alaskans.

• Protecting our State Assets & Resources: Alaska is unique – our size, diversity, and resources are great strengths of the state that must be properly protected if we want to continue to enjoy and reap the benefits both today and for future generations. As Governor, I would utilize the strength of the entire State administration to be Alaska’s best and loudest advocate when it comes to protecting our state resources from the federal government. Specifically, I would:

• • Work to Reinstate a Coastal Zone Management: Without an approved coastal zone management program, Alaskans have lost the opportunity to influence federal decision-making in the oceans surrounding our state. The lack of a coastal zone management program has both economic and environmental impacts to our state. As Governor, I would work with the legislature to get legislation passed to ensure that Alaska is once again a compliant participant in a coastal zone management program.

• • Fight for Our Fair Share from Resource Revenues: Ensuring Alaskans receive their fair share of revenues generated from resource development in our state is just common sense. This an issue I have long supported and fought for and as Governor, I would make sure that both the Congressional Delegation and the Federal Government were engaged with the State to ensure that Alaskans are adequately compensated for our state resources.

• • Ensure State of Alaska Receives Land It was Promised as Part of Statehood Compact: As Governor I would engage the full power of the State Administration to ensure that we receive the lands owed to us by the federal government as part of the Statehood Compact. I would direct departments to make the final selection of the lands that we can utilize for economic, community and social purpose. We need to get these lands into Alaskans’ hands so we can utilize them for the benefit of all Alaskans.

Climate Change
In Alaska, we are experiencing the impacts of climate change more intensely than almost anywhere else. Alaskans know climate change; we see it around us every day – warming waters, changing fish pattern, and impacts on our coastal communities. While we must be serious about addressing the risks associated with climate change, I also believe that with the proper leadership, Alaska can seize new opportunities with these changes. Acting on climate change is an international imperative, but we are already developing the expertise to help the rest of the world deal with both mitigation and adaptation of climate change impacts. By addressing climate change head-on and providing the opportunity for the private sector hone their skills, we can market as Alaska a global leader in climate change and a champion for action. As Governor, I would:

1. Hone Alaska’s Climate Expertise by Jumpstarting Construction Industry: As mentioned in Infrastructure Plan, I would utilize general obligation (GO) bonds for long-term capital improvements. These GO bonds would not only jumpstart our construction industry paralyzed by five years of meager capital budgets and make a dent in our deferred maintenance backlog, but they would also require that all projects move Alaska towards greater energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and improved climate readiness. This approach will provide a jolt to employment while also ensuring that each dollar spent helps advance our workforce and develops the needed technology to make Alaska an expert and leader on climate.

2. Market Alaska as the “Go-To” for Climate Expertise: As Governor, I will join the bi-partisan U.S. Climate Alliance and use the Alliance as a platform to share what Alaska is doing to address and adapt to a changing climate. Alaska’s private sector, University researchers, and local and state officials have a lot to share with the rest of the world, but we need a platform and a Governor who will sell that story. Using our grit and ingenuity in tough conditions once made us a world leader in telecom and the oil and gas industry. It is time we used that same model to build an industry around clean energy and climate-ready construction.

3. Re-establish a Permanent Climate Sub-Cabinet: Bureaucracy, lack of leadership, and lack of attention often stalls good projects that could allow us to understand climate change and be prepared for the changes we know are coming. Without a structure in place, we cannot see action on the good ideas coming from within government, from the current Climate Leadership team, and from the public. That is why I would create a defined structure that would vet concepts and advance good ideas so we don’t see another decade of stagnation. I would also implement a clearly defined set of goals and metrics for this cabinet to regularly assess progress and ensure this doesn’t become another layer of do-nothing bureaucracy. With the right leadership, Alaska has the unmatched ability to cement ourselves as climate leaders both nationally and internationally.

Energy
Energy is central to our state. From the earliest moments of statehood, to building the Trans Alaska pipeline, to developing our global expertise in clean energy micro grids, Alaskans have never been afraid of big projects and bold energy policy.

Make no mistake about it, the oil and gas industry has played a critical role in Alaska’s economy for decades. Somewhere along the line, however, what started as a partnership turned into dependency. As Governor, I want to engage in policies that will get us back to the days where the state has a true partnership with the oil and gas industry that benefits both the industry and the state as a whole.

That means diversifying our economy – and our energy portfolio. We have all the resources we need to become a clean energy leader: ample renewable resources like wind, hydro, and even solar, a great university system spearheading cutting edge technology, high energy costs providing the economic imperative to transition away from conventional fuel sources. Just as Alaska played a pivotal role in securing America’s energy security with the opening of Prudhoe Bay, through our development of clean energy microgrids, we have the opportunity to be a leader in America’s energy future.

As Governor, I would:

• Create Certainty for Oil & Gas Industry: When the state’s fiscal stability is subject to the whims of oil prices, it not only wreaks havoc on our state’s budget process, but also results in knee jerk policy reactions that creates uncertainty for the industry. As Governor, I would move from a one-year budget process to a two-year budget process to create fiscal stability and certainty across industries and priorities.

• Develop our clean tech workforce: Lack of a trained workforce is driving up the cost of clean energy projects across Alaska, meanwhile we have the highest unemployment rate in the country. As Governor, I would engage unions, the university system, vocational training programs, and the private sector to ensure we are growing our own trained workforce ready for the jobs of the future right here in Alaska.

• Make Alaska the most Energy Efficient State in the Country: We have the ability to be a leader in energy efficiency if we take smart, deliberate actions. Including:

• • Reduce overall electric energy use by 10 percent by 2025
  • Cut costs by requiring energy audits and efficiency upgrades of all public buildings
  • Restart Alaska’s weatherization program providing relief to Alaskans with the highest energy costs
  • Ensure all state policies incentivize energy conservation

• Implement a Roadmap to Achieve Goal of 50% Renewable Energy by 2025: It is not enough to simply throw out goals, we must have a roadmap to get there. There are concrete actions the State can take to help achieve a 50% renewable goal by 2025 including:
  • Convert the State’s vehicle fleet to electric/gas electric hybrid expediting EV charging infrastructure
  • Set clean energy procurement goals for the State and reduce barriers for purchasing electricity and heat that will save the money and reduce energy use.
  • Seek out partnerships with the private sector to achieve scale in our rural communities and deploy emerging technology on Alaska’s microgrids.

Women and Families
With access to healthcare and workplace protections at risk due to extreme policies and attacks from Washington, D.C., Alaska’s next Governor will be one of the last lines of defense when it comes to protecting Alaska women. We need real leadership who will support and implement fair, commonsense policies while also committing to vetoing dangerous, misguided legislation. Systemic inequality continues to keep too many Alaska women from achieving the economic security they deserve. As Mayor and U.S. Senator, Mark Begich has been an unwavering advocate for women – fighting for equal pay for equal work, protecting a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions, and promoting safe, healthy communities for all Alaskans. This is the same comprehensive approach Mark Begich will bring as Governor and that is why he has a plan aimed at addressing the diverse and comprehensive issues facing Alaska women today.

Childcare Alaska’s families spend almost $200 million a year on childcare for kids under the age of six. Early learning and childcare also support some 7,700 jobs statewide. Childcare businesses support local economies and allow parents to return to the labor market. Despite this, a 2014 survey found that 46% of parents found it difficult to obtain childcare. On average, childcare in Alaska costs 18% of family income. We need greater access to affordable, high quality childcare from birth to kindergarten.

• Streamline licensing requirements for childcare centers: We all want to ensure the highest quality care is available for Alaska’s kids, but overly burdensome red tape is making it harder for childcare centers to operate. Recent proposed changes to regulations will make it even harder for childcare businesses to break even. As Governor, Mark Begich will call for financial analysis of any proposed regulations to determine how they will impact service providers and caregivers. Further, Begich will create a cabinet level advisory group to determine how to reduce regulatory hurdles for childcare while ensuring kids’ health and safety.

• Improve workforce training and opportunities for childcare professionals: Alaska’s childcare desert exists in part because of a lack of trained professionals and unaffordability of training programs. Providing tuition waivers is one way we can improve access to well trained childcare administrators. Working with the State’s existing early childcare organizations, we should develop a network to connect those with proper training to home-based and other childcare centers, improving employment and childcare access while improving quality and making it easier to achieve regulatory compliance.

• Target childcare deserts with incentives and business development services: Many childcare centers and home-based businesses operate with razor-thin margins, without access to capital or business development services. Connecting these entrepreneurs with capital can help childcare businesses grow to meet demand. States can offer tax credits for investments in child care facilities within childcare deserts, targeting investment to where it is needed, especially in rural areas.

Education A strong education system is the backbone of our state. Without it, we can’t train the workforce of tomorrow or even attract young people today. High teacher and education support staff turnover, lack of access to high quality early childhood education, and a persistently underfunded university system have left our education system ranked at the bottom nationwide.

• Provide certainty to school districts, teachers, parents, and kids: We cannot attract and keep the best teachers and education professionals until we forward-fund education, ensuring no more yearly or on-and-off pink slips. That is why Mark Begich laid out his “Invest in Alaska” plan which provides stable, long-term education funding and is estimated to, based on this year’s data, free up $1.6 billion in general funds currently used for education funding. It also means that the Legislature can’t use the education system as a negotiating tool or political bargaining chip. Providing certainty to teachers, parents, and kids means a better education system for everyone.

• Prioritize universal Pre-K: 90% of brain development happens by age five, which means those years are the most important years to invest in a child’s development. For every $1 we invest in high quality early childhood education, the State gets back $7 in reduced public services, increased economic activity, and spending less on incarceration. Access to high quality, affordable early childhood education is essential to raising the next generation of great Alaskans. Business leaders, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, know great employees come from kids that have access to quality education. That’s why Begich is a strong supporter of universal pre-K without diminishing the current needs of K-12 education.

• Ensure necessary resources: Education budgets aren’t keeping up with increasing costs of healthcare, energy, or inflation. School districts have been cut severely and we see class sizes going up, teachers using their own income for supplies, and each school counselor serving as many as 700 students in some school districts, if those positions still exist. We must ensure education funding increases with inflation and real costs, so schools are getting the necessary funding, resources, and support from the State Department of Education and Early Development.

Equal rights for all Alaskans Alaska has historically been ahead of the curve on promoting human rights. In 1945, through the tireless work of many, led by Elizabeth Peratrovich, Alaska’s Territorial Government passed the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act, nearly twenty years ahead of the U.S. Civil Rights Act. We still have far to go, but as Governor, Mark Begich will fight to ensure our state government reflects our shared value that all Alaskans are treated fairly.

• Protect marriage equality: Same sex couples should be allowed to marry and enjoy all the same rights and privileges as any other married couple. The government should keep out of our personal lives – if someone wants to marry someone they love, then they should be able to. As Governor, Mark Begich will continue to fight for equal rights for all Alaskans and not let the rights of Alaskans become subject to the whims of the extreme agenda from Outside groups.

• Safeguard all Alaskans from discrimination: We must continue to support efforts to put gender and sexuality-based discrimination on equal footing with race and ethnic discrimination and increase penalties for wage discrimination in our state. As Governor, Mark Begich will prioritize these efforts and make sure they are reflected within every level of the administration.

SUPPORTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

39% of privately-held businesses in the U.S. are woman owned and contribute 8% of employment and 4.2% of revenues.

• Create statewide programs to support woman-owned small businesses: For Alaska entrepreneurs, a network of mentors can make a big difference in starting or expanding a small business. A statewide mentorship network is one easy way to propel more women into business ownership. Many states, and the Federal Government, also offer procurement contracting preferences to woman owned small businesses, ensuring more of the State’s money goes to supporting women. Tackle the gender gap between women and men for small business loans by increasing the Small Business Administration’s lending authority for micro-financing (under $50,000) and intermediate financing (under $200,000) while also directing more technical assistance to woman-owned businesses entering the export market.

• Support an inclusive family leave policy for all Alaskans: Mark supports providing incentives to businesses to allow more workers to telecommute and work from home, especially for parents of young children working to balance careers and kids. Daughters are twice as likely to take care of their aging parent than sons are, putting great financial and emotional strain on already overtaxed families. It also ends up costing caregivers lost income and retirement benefits because they have to reduce their work hours to care for a parent. Helping older Alaskans stay in their homes isn’t just the right thing to do—it saves money for families and taxpayers. Good family leave policies also help Alaska employers attract the best talent from around the country with 42 percent of job candidates saying paid maternity and paternity leave is an important factor when choosing a job opportunity.

ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE In addition to having some of the highest health care costs in the country, Alaska also faces issues with access to care. We need to ensure that we take common sense steps to provide quality, affordable health care to all Alaskans – no matter where they live.

• Protect Women’s Fundamental Rights to Make Their Own Health Care Decisions: Our next Governor and their administration will play a critically important role in protecting Alaska women from the current threats looming in Washington, D.C. when it comes to women’s rights and equal access to care. That is why Mark Begich will veto any attempt – whether a broad attack or subtle infringement – to undermine a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions.
• Require insurers to provide 12 months of birth control: Mark Begich has spent his entire political career working to ensure all women can make decisions about their reproductive health without coercion. Providing a year’s supply of birth control at a time is a solution that works for women. For many women, especially those who live in rural communities, lack reliable access to transportation, or struggle to balance work and family, a monthly trip to the pharmacy can be an insurmountable barrier to using birth control consistently. Consistent use of birth control is the best way to prevent unintended pregnancy, but one in four women say they have missed pills because they could not get the next pack in time.
• Provide Clinics for Employees: The Anchorage School District, Municipality of Anchorage, and even well-known Outside companies like Amazon are experimenting with providing health care services on site to employees as a way to reduce sick days, make it easier to get preventative care, and control costs. The State should incentivize the use of clinics outside of Anchorage for public employees as well as pooling access for private employees. Utilizing these innovative approaches for delivering services to our employees just makes sense, as State employees are the largest consumer group for medical services in Alaska.

• Explore a Unified Health Care Option for Alaskans With Little to No Coverage: With our small population and high costs, not to mention a large portion of the State’s population covered by Medicaid, Medicare, Tri-care, and Indian Health Service, we could save money by pooling Alaskans into a single health care option. We should not be afraid to look beyond our current system of delivery to find innovative approaches that produce cost savings.

PROMOTING SAFE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES IN URBAN AND RURAL ALASKA Alaska has an unacceptably high rate of sexual assault and domestic violence. Half of all adult Alaska women have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, or both. These statistics are not acceptable. Our current system for providing services to victims of gender-based violence is insufficient, but simple changes can make a real difference.

• Provide victims the tools they need to report or leave their abuser when they are ready: When Begich was mayor, he saw victims of sexual assault and domestic violence had to endure a disjointed maze of reporting and re-reporting to different law enforcement and medical personnel, often retraumatizing those who have endured the worst. Under Begich’s watch, the city changed that system so victims met with a trauma nurse, law enforcement, and an advocate at one location at one time. It is now the gold standard for sexual assault response, has received national awards and recognition, and is a system we can replicate throughout the State so victims know they will be heard and cared for safely when they come forward.

• Make sure victims can get justice where they live: By empowering judicial services within communities and utilizing compacts with the State of Alaska, we can create more opportunities for tribal courts, community courts, and wellness courts to deliver judicial services within our rural communities, reducing the barriers and providing protection for victims.

• Bolster Public Safety in Rural Alaska: Crime – including sexual assault and domestic violence – is not only an issue in urban Alaska. Our rural communities need better coordination and support to keep their communities safe. That is why Mark Begich laid out a detailed plan to bolster public safety in rural Alaska as part of his overall Keeping Alaska Families Safe Plan. We need better coordination between Village Police Officers, Village Public Safety Officers, and State of Alaska Public Safety Department to ensure that we have high-quality standards. We also need an Administration that will work with other state agencies and community organizations that can provide comprehensive services to help individuals in need of substance abuse services break the cycle of repeat offending.

Fish
Alaska’s fishing industry is a critical part of our state’s economy, sustaining tens of thousands of jobs that make our state’s fisheries some of the greatest in the world. Responsible management of our fisheries is critical if we want to make sure our fish stocks are available for decades to come. When it comes to protecting fish in Alaska, we need to invest where it will be most helpful and think long-term about every aspect of the industry and the resource. This means understanding and protecting the needs of commercial fishing, sport fishing, and subsistence rights. Long-term sustainability of our fisheries is achievable with good management and the ability to make decisions based on sound science and accurate data. Additionally, we need to protect our coastal fishing communities and the waters that sustain both people and fish.

Oppose Pebble Mine I have been firm in my view that Pebble is the wrong mine in the wrong place. I believe the Bristol Bay Watershed is too important to the economy of our state to risk on an open pit mine. Through years of research, engagement with local communities, and modeling of the project, we know there is no way a mine in Bristol Bay can coexist with one of the world’s most productive fishery. That is why, as Governor, I would end the permitting process with the State and tell the Army Corps of Engineers that I will not allow any use of state lands, right-of-ways, or access for any of their operations – finally putting an end to the Pebble project.

Commercial Fisheries Commercial fishing for salmon, halibut, groundfish, crab, and more is a major part of Alaska’s economy. Subsistence, sport, and personal use fisheries also contribute heavily to our Alaska lifestyle, travel & tourism, Alaska Native culture and our reputation as a state. Resource decisions impact us in both the near and long-term and must be handled with great care.

Our fishing industry has come a long way since the days when cannery bosses ran the show with little or no benefit to fishing families or local coastal economies. Most of all, the professions of fishing, processing, and producing seafood products needs support from the governor’s office, agency leaders, the legislature, and others throughout the state. As governor, I will engage in constructive policies that strengthen Alaska’s reputation as a leader in the seafood industry. I will support those currently in the business of fish and support younger Alaskans learning these critical skills so our coastal communities continue to thrive under the next generation.

Commissioner of Fish & Game There is a lot at stake when it comes to Alaska fisheries and hunting grounds. Its sustainable food, culture, travel and tourism, environment, ecology, and economy. As governor, I understand the importance of reaching out to fishermen, processors, personal use and subsistence harvesters and game users across the state to find the most qualified person for Commissioner of Fish and Game (ADF&G). We are not all going to agree on everything but we can work harder and listen to each other. I know how to do that. Alaska needs an individual committed to getting the tough questions answered and who can return ADF&G to a place where world-class fisheries biologists want to work. We have the best-managed fisheries in the world, and that all starts with ADF&G management.

Appoint a Senior Cabinet-Level Fisheries Advisor Like any valuable resource, Alaska fisheries are complex and policy decisions are often difficult, but they have a measurable impact on our fishing communities, industry and all user groups. As governor, I will install a person in a cabinet-level position who will make fisheries their number one priority. This includes working with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, the Board of Fish, North Pacific Fisheries Management Council, National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Salmon Commission, International Pacific Halibut Commission, North Pacific Research Board, North Pacific Anadromous Fisheries Commission and every other group that deals with fish. I will make listening to commercial fishing, sport fishing, and substance users – and especially fishermen and fishing communities – their number one task. The Governor must have someone close who interacts with the fishing industry every day and brings timely information to the administration.

Defend Funding for State Agencies in Support of Alaska Fisheries Good fisheries management decisions require using the best science available. I support research, management oversight, and data collection. With changes in climate, we have seen drastic shifts in fish returns that raise questions that need to be answered. We must deal with this reality and designate needed state resources to agencies such as the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, the University of Alaska’s Sea Grant Program the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission, and others.

Invest in Seafood Promotion and Development The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) is a model for public-private investment and the State of Alaska must make it a funding priority. I believe in the power of creative marketing to advance an industry at all levels. ASMI has demonstrated the ability to work with domestic and international seafood customers as well as constantly work to ensure consumers know Alaska seafood products are high quality. This does not happen by accident and aggressive worldwide marketing is key. As governor I will work to enhance the reputation and boost the consumption of Alaska seafood.

Add More Fairness in Fisheries Representation Having lived in Alaska all my life and served in public office, I know the difficulties that arise when it comes to allocating and making management decision on a delicate resource like fish. No governor has all the answers, but those in leadership must listen to people, including Alaska’s indigenous leaders, who are active in the industry and do what is best for the resource. Major fishing regions need representation on the Board of Fish and organizations representing commercial fishers need to be included in the discussion when considering appointments. My administration will pay close attention to the Board of Fish process and work to strengthen Alaska’s fisheries management bodies. Indigenous voices should also be represented on various advisory and regulatory bodies.

Expand Partners in the Fishing Industry Young Alaskans need help to succeed in Alaska’s fishing industry. This means stronger programs in fisheries education and financial support to enter and stay in the business. New and increased opportunity is a key component in a set of plans for these beginning fishermen and for existing fishermen as they all struggle with big changes in the market, the environment and our culture. As Governor I will bring together unique partners such as fishers and tech companies to create greater value for the industry that may also be made safer and more efficient. We will work with the Division of Economic Development to enhance and strengthen the self-sustaining commercial fishing revolving loan program. My administration will work to find ways to reduce Alaska transportation costs, one of the main cost drivers impacting processors and ex-vessel price. Commercial fisheries need to be represented on the University of Alaska Board of Regents, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, and other educational and business entities. Alaska also needs access to critical support services such as machinists, welders, electricians, and refrigeration techs. And we need to utilize our public education institutions to help grow the next generation of the fishing industry in Alaska.

Sport Fishing Sport fishing is a part of Alaska culture and a key economic driver for travel and tourism. With more coastline than the entire Lower 48 combined, we need to ensure that the needs of sport and personal use fisheries are included as part of any comprehensive plan. That includes data-driven policies that maintain and protect these fisheries so that Alaskans can continue to enjoy our world-class fishing for generations to come.

Subsistence Rights The traditional and customary way of life, practiced for thousands of years, must be sustained for the nutritional, economic, and cultural well-being of Alaska Natives and rural Alaskans. That is why I am a strong supporter of subsistence rights for Alaska Native people and have built a record of fighting hard to preserve these rights. As Alaskans, we must recognize and respect traditional knowledge of Alaska Native People who have fished Alaska waters forever. A resource like fish must be respected for its cultural value too and we would be wise to gather historical data from the regions as well as scientific data so past mistakes are not repeated. As Governor, I will continue these efforts and ensure that my administration understands, values, and protects these rights. That also means ensuring the state does not participate in any activity that could jeopardize subsistence rights like the State’s recent support of the Sturgeon case which could have devastating impacts on our rural communities and subsistence rights.^[9]