Issue Position: Fighting for Working Families

Issue Position

I am honored by the Anchorage Central Labor Council's support in this campaign, and the support of many union locals. Alaska has been a pro-labor state since adoption of our Constitution, and we should build on that legacy. In addition to adhering to long standing policies like prevailing wage laws, the state must act aggressively to restore economic security for working families whose livelihood has become more perilous as a result of gig employment, outsourcing, and other aspects of what economists call the "fissured" economy. As a start, the legislature should establish the equivalent of unemployment and retirement benefits for independent contractors. Since far-right ideologues on the U.S. Supreme Court are attempting to gut public employee unions with the Janus decision, the state should examine all options to sustain public employee unions that have always helped maintain our infrastructure and run state government.

Inadequate state revenue has drained state savings and hollowed out the state capital budget. As I've told people since the first day of this campaign, I support higher taxes on oil production and/or a progressive income tax to balance the state budget and fund core public services. Alaska has always relied on a robust capital budget to provide adequate infrastructure and sustain our middle class. Restoration of the capital budget, with a focus on projects that enhance Alaska's competitiveness, should be a top priority.

Alaska's public employees serve the state under what are often harsh working conditions and long hours. Public service should be honored and encouraged, and it is past time for the state to restore a defined benefit pension for public employees, and--at a bare minimum--to ensure employees receive raises at least equal to inflation. In addition, the state should take action to support families with children, including through provision of paid parental leave.

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