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Ya know, the PFD (Permanent Fund Dividend) is (was) a really good example of how government can help people.
Rather than spend the huge sum of money generated by the initial oil lease sales, the state put it in this fund so that the resources of the state actually benefit the state rather than the corporations.
Alas, it was first set up as a rainy day fund which COULD distribute dividends if it wanted and also use it for anything else. It has become an entitlement. The voters of Alaska would rather shut the state gov down rather than add taxes or use the PFD for government porpoises. (you do know there is no state sales tax, no state income tax; there are some municipal taxes)
And Alaskans whine about the tiny property taxes they pay. (another reason I left)
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