Though the Legislature is not looking to adopt a state sales tax or income tax this year, most lawmakers know it is inevitable. And most Alaskans should know it too, considering how we have dipped into savings more than half of the past 30 years to pay for services and the revenue gap is only getting worse.

But which tax? Which is fairest to the largest number of people? Which is best (least worst) for the economy? And how do taxes compare with further cuts in public services and the prospect of an even smaller Permanent Fund dividend to balance the budget?

The House Ways and Means Committe...