The important thing is to not get too emotional and make this personal. Nick's concerns are every bit as valid as the next Alaskan. We can cut automatic merit increases for state employees without laying off a single employee and not only save our state thousands every year but eventually less when it comes to pension payments. We can have ACA/medicaid but we can't afford the Cadillac level of medicaid. There are many examples and a myriad number of ways to cut spending. However, we can not ignore the realities of technology replacing the need for warm bodies. It's not a responsibility to employ teachers where computers can do the job or state paid motor vehicle employees where the private sector is a cheaper option.