Legislators more willing to talk about taxes this year

Maybe Alaskans just needed more time to get used to the idea of paying taxes, or maybe the risk of losing their Permanent Fund dividend woke them up to the state's dire fiscal situation. Whatever the reason, several legislators say their colleagues and constituents are now more willing to talk about, consider and maybe even accept taxes.

"I think that when you're bent over the cliff, hanging by your ankles, it brings reality into sharper focus," said Fairbanks Sen. Click Bishop, co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

Bishop has advocated for years for an increase in the state motor fuel tax...