For Immediate Release
Contact: Cassandra Stalzer, 907-334-0520 or 907-223-9908

83% less likely to support a legislator who “takes no action”

Juneau, AK – Public concern about the state’s fiscal crisis is increasing dramatically and Alaskans want state leaders address the budget shortfall with a combination of cuts and new revenue, according to a new survey released today by Rasmuson Foundation’s Plan4Alaska education campaign.

The Plan4Alaska survey, conducted from January 6 – 13, polled more than 800 Alaskans about the state’s budget shortfall. Overall, more than 90 percent of Alaskans report awareness of the budget shortfall.

In a strong message to state leaders, 83 percent of Alaskans say they will be less likely to support a legislator who takes “no action” to address the shortfall. Only 17 percent say they would be less likely to support legislators who vote for a comprehensive package of cuts and new revenue to address the shortfall.

Even when specifically asked about Permanent Fund Dividend reductions and tax increases, a plurality of Alaskans still say that they are either more likely to support a legislator for making these difficult decisions, or that it will have no impact on their vote.

The survey was presented to legislators and staff today in Juneau. “Do not leave Juneau this year without passing a comprehensive budget plan that includes revenue and cuts,” Jeff Cook, a foundation board member, told the group,

Rasmuson Foundation released initial polling data on the fiscal crisis in July of 2015. Since that time, there has been a dramatic shift in intensity, with more Alaskans saying they are “extremely concerned” about the budget shortfall.

“For the past 60 years, Rasmuson Foundation has invested more than $300 million to improve the quality of life in our state,” said Rasmuson Foundation President Diane Kaplan. “If we don’t find an acceptable way to close the gap and find a path to a long-term sustainable budget, and quickly, we will see much of that improvement erode.

The survey also reveals that while Alaskans recognize that new revenue sources will be needed to close the $3.5 billion budget gap, they want to see meaningful reductions in spending this session. Asked specifically about the $100 million in budget cuts proposed as part of the Governor’s “New Sustainable Alaska Plan,” respondents believe, by 2-to-1, that more rather than less cuts should be made.

The survey also revealed very few Alaskans are aware of budget cuts made in 2015.

The poll examined public opinion on the fiscal deficit and solutions to help stabilize the state budget including spending reductions, taxes, changes to how we use Permanent Fund earnings, a cap on yearly dividends, and a fine-tuning of oil production tax credits. The poll was conducted by Strategies 360 and carries a margin of error of +/-4%.

The presentation made to the legislature today is available for download here.

About the Foundation


Rasmuson Foundation was created in May 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson to honor her late husband “E.A.” Rasmuson. Through grantmaking and initiatives, the Foundation is a catalyst to promote a better life for all Alaskans.

Rasmuson Foundation launched Plan4Alaska, a statewide education campaign, to talk with Alaskans, share facts and options, and explain the urgency of acting now. The goal is to energize a mandate from the public for elected officials to make the tough choices this year.

Plan4Alaska Survey January 2016

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