State Sen Jesse Kiehl discussed a wide range of topics with Haines and Klukwan residents during a visit last week. Hot button issues included concern over firearm restrictions in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, options for generating revenue in the state budget, the Haines trooper position and ferry funding.
In November, a young hunter shot a bear in the preserve near what Alaska State Parks defines as a “developed facility.” On Friday, residents expressed concern over a citation issued to the hunter’s grandfather over a law that prohibits the discharge of a firearm within half a mile of a developed facility, which includes sidewalks, signs, picnic tables and parking lots among others.
Sean McLaughlin said that although he understands the safety issue behind the law, the loss of traditional use as a result of the law is “a loss of our freedoms.” Don Turner Senior agreed.
“I’ve hunted here since ’67. I think it’s wrong,” Turner said.
Kiehl shared the concern. “State parks is interpreting the regulation to apply to the preserve which is not technically a park … First time I have seen this in Haines, that everyone agrees,” Kiehl quipped about the issue. “Let’s see if we can get this fixed.”
Generating revenue for the state budget dominated discussion at the Chilkat Center. “Any revenue we were to consider takes time to implement.” Kiehl said. “Which leaves us in a really bad position… We are up against the wall this legislative session.”
Kiehl expressed support for “broad and low” taxes. “I think we need a balance. I recognize the need for taxes. I don’t actually smile when I pay them. Let’s meet the needs but not take any more than we need to.”
In response to a question regarding eliminating the Permanent Fund Dividend, Kiehl said such an option was “Not acceptable. I’m not willing to do that.”
Thom Ely brought up the subject of oil taxes. “The fastest solution for more income is to repeal SB 21,” he said. “I think it is one of the major issues.”
Kiehl said he thinks the state could generate about $400 million in additional revenues without driving investment to other places.
“I hope we don’t try to solve our whole budget on oil. It will leave us in the same position we are in now. The only state in the union with no connection between the health of our economy and the resources the state has to support that economy.”
Kiehl said he supports keeping sales tax in the hands of municipalities. An income tax, Kiehl said, would generate revenue from individuals who make their income in Alaska but live out-of-state. “If Alaska had an income tax, they would proportion their income from where they made it. They would pay the State of Alaska income tax with their Alaska income.” However, he cautioned against trying to close the budget gap solely with an income tax, stating that “it would cripple (Alaskans)”.
When Margaret Friedenauer asked if he or other legislators would introduce an income tax bill, Kiehl responded that although he expected a colleague would draft a bill, “the trick will be getting any revenue measure signed instead of vetoed this year… The governor is a man of very strong philosophical beliefs … and he believes income tax is deterrent to effort, wealth, and success. He has said that it is a deterrent to job creation. I disagree with him on the principles.”
Kiehl said there is potential for the legislature to pass SB115, which would bring the tax on highway fuel from eight cents a gallon to 16 cents. Kiehl said he thinks the bill, which would generate an additional $35 million in revenue, has enough