Methinks we're closer in thought than I might have anticipated. I agree that courage (and for that matter any semblance of wisdom) from the Legislature is not something I'd bet on until 1) the budget reserves are gone and/or 2) there no longer exists any pathway to "weenie out". I have a question for you though. At least at this juncture, isn't most of AK's Medicaid expansion paid for by the Feds? Agree with you and many that AK has to get real about taxes/subsidies on/for Big Oil. Tourism revenue (taxes) is already pretty hefty; I'm not sure how much harder AK can milk that cow. I'll put myself out there now to being tarred and feathered (ouch!) online. The PFD has to be in the equation. I'm ready to surrender mine, it's an entitlement that we can't afford at the current price of oil. I recognize that many PFD beneficiaries regard that money as individually theirs and it is their "right" to get it. Not true; that money accrues to the State of Alaska. For now, the free ride is over.