From the publisher

Could anything be more difficult than getting the Alaska Legislature to settle on a workable, affordable, sustainable fiscal plan for the state?

Yes. Getting a clear majority of Alaskans to accept the reality and the need for a workable, affordable, sustainable fiscal plan for the state probably is more difficult - and yet it has to come first.

Most legislators understand the numbers, even if they disagree or dislike the math and the choices. Many just need a permission slip from their constituents to take the tough votes, especially on the Permanent Fund dividend.

But Alaskans? We're as divid...