“If we go there (the Permanent Fund) first, it takes off the intensity and energy from drilling down the cost of government,” Dunleavy said.

Wow.  I actually agree with Boss Dunleavy on this one. Before they raid the Permanent Fund, legislators need to drill down the cost of government- starting with the money set aside for Legislator Salary Padding.

http://www.adn.com/sites/default/files/2015%20Legislative%20Travel%20Report.pdf

Legislators exploit an obscure section of IRS code & get "reimbursed" for lodging and food at the federal per diem rate-regardless of expenses- rather than at the state per diem rate used by the governor and other state employees.  

In addition to their $53,000 salaries, legislators use this gimmick to loot the state treasury and stuff thousands of dollars in excess "reimbursement" into their pockets.

Drill, baby, drill.