So, let me get this straight: we are spending 1.4 billion in 2016 on a handout called the Permanent Fund Dividend, yet when required to balance the budget we cut $52 -$77 million from the University of Alaska system. That is an amount that will barely put a dent in the deficit, but cause enormous hardships for the University and its students. What's more, in the longer-term these cuts to the University system will drain primary jobs from this state, along with even more secondary job losses, which will result in a net drain on our economy.

Our state leadership is showing itself to be very selfish and short-sighted. We can (and must) do better!