2020 Election

We face serious challenges going into the 2021 legislative session. Even with a $0 PFD, we will likely face a $500-$600 million deficit. We are out of rainy day funds to fill this deficit, and have no responsible choices except to raise additional revenue to balance the budget.

I am categorically opposed to draining the Permanent Fund. If we were to fill the deficit by over-drawing the Fund, we would lock ourselves into a fiscal death spiral of ever-declining revenue, rising class sizes, shrinking public safety capacity, and elimination of the marine highway and much of the University of Alaska system.

In contrast, we absolutely can survive this fiscal crisis and have a thriving economy in the future if we raise modest additional revenue and take a PFD holiday until oil prices stabilize and we can once again afford to pay a dividend.

Nobody filed to run against me in the primary or general election this year, but there are important steps you can take for our community if you live in House District 20.

First, make sure you've filled out the Census: https://2020census.gov/
This ensures our district has its fair share of political representation in the legislature, and ensures that Alaskans receive our fair share of federal funding for transportation, health care, and other programs that are essential for our economy.

Second, request an absentee ballot: http://www.elections.alaska.gov/Core/votingbymail.php
The COVID pandemic continues to expand, including in Alaska, and I want you to be able to vote from home safely.

Third, please consider how you can support legislators who have done the right thing and fought to protect Alaska's economy, the Permanent Fund that sustains essential services, health care, public safety, Pre-K and K-12 education, and the Marine Highway. Give me a call if you want to talk about how you can help.

Finally, I will be doing a Get Out the Vote effort this fall to make sure our district is represented. You can contribute here to support that: https://zackforalaska.blogspot.com/p/donate.html