Energy Relief Payments

[RouterJockey]

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Full article here: http://www.adn.com/politics/story/407821.html

I have my opinions, but just curious what you all think...

[dead0man]

Yeah, god forbid the state build their own "bridges to nowhere".

[Ban my account ffs!]

I find it interesting that we have nary an Alaskan Democrat on the forum, and they the most "socialist" form of government when all is said and done.

The dollars that flow into Alaska from the federal government as well as those from the oil is all quite nicely redistributed among all Alaskans....

This tends to cause envy among those of us who pay all sorts of federal taxes and NEVER see them again.

But generally, I think this is a great idea.  It should be tilted towards helping those who need it most, though.

[RouterJockey]

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I disagree - like the PFD, the fact that all Alaskans are treated equally is the beauty of it.

[RouterJockey]

Although I'm not one inclined to turn down free money, I do have some concern about the possible unintended consequences of such a "relief" program.

1.  Dependency.  It's only a year long program.  What happens after a year?  People have gotten used to the extra money ($400/month for a family of four), and the reduced energy bills (i.e. electric bill).  Then, the money gets cut, and prices go up at the same time.  This could have a devastating impact on lower income families.

2.  Artificial demand.  Since energy prices will be essentially less, people will use/purchase more than they otherwise would have.  Thus, inflating demand, and most likely driving up costs - defeating the original purpose.

3.  Demand for other services.  With extra money to spend, people will use other services that they may not otherwise have been using.  Businesses expand.  Then what happens when the money goes away and demand returns to "normal" levels.  Jobs that may have been created may then have to be cut.