Just to chip in my 2 cents worth...the state does not pay our pensions...neither do you.  Teachers, cops, and all public employees have $$ taken out of our paychecks (20 years teaching here) and invested, and now paid back to us on a monthly basis.  Our retirement checks are money saved and invested by us, just like any retirement plan you may or may not have.  Social security is paid for from your paychecks, and you expect it back someday.  They (our unions and state retirement system) negotiate for our medical insurance and premiums are paid partially by us and partially by our TRS and PRS as agreed. Low income folks need that dividend! If you are too cheap to pay a little state income tax than go live in another state.  Best to look at their tax structure first, because you will find that living here in Ak is one of the best deals around.  And our legislators DO CARE and they LIVE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS, and if they agree on a plan that is HUGE!