Looking at this from the 10,000 foot level, the State of Alaska should take note of what is going on here.  It's called reaction to economic reality.  The Binkley's realize the basics.  When revenue is 30% less than expenses, you have to cut.  Brutal, but common sense.  The oil companies that do business in Alaska quickly figured this out when oil dropped by 40%.  They cut their spending by 40%.  Private businesses in Alaska followed suit in response to our recession.  Sales down 30%.  Cut expenses by 30%.

The only entity in Alaska that does not get these basic laws of economics is the State of Alaska.  Bill Walker still thinks the price of oil is $140 a barrel and fights tooth and nail to protect a bloated bureaucracy.  "But tell us, what is there to cut!?", the whiners of Alaska pout.  Take it from the Binkleys, cut 30 percent of EVERYTHING.  Heck, the Binkleys should be running the State of Alaska, not Bill Walker.  At least they understand simple math.