2013 economic outlook.

• Author: Gallion, Mari
• Position: ECONOMY

Alaska

Alaska's budget position is solid. We have a Triple AAA bond rating, more than $16 billion in budget reserves, and nearly $43 billion in the Permanent Fund. With plans for paying down our unfunded liabilities, and having been named the sixth best-run state in the nation, we will remain solid because we are committed to being a responsible and responsive state.

As we prepared the budget for Fiscal Year 2014, we had to face the facts: oil production is down, and oil prices too, have decreased. That profoundly impacts Alaska's revenue. For Fiscal Year 2014, I have proposed a budget fully $1.1 billion dollars leaner than the current year.

--Governor Sean Parnell

ARCTIC POLICY

Increasing change and activity in the Arctic has resulted in added emphasis on and attention to northern issues. Alaska is in a key, strategic position to respond and take a leadership role in next steps and future development. 2013 will see the first meetings of the Alaska Arctic Policy Commission, the beginning of the Canadian Chair of the Arctic Council. and continued participation in the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Arctic Caucus. We can expect to see progress made on an International Maritime Organization Polar Code and the signing of the Arctic Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response Instrument. All of this means that Alaskans must work to fully understand Arctic issues, challenges and opportunity.

--Nils Andreassen

Executive Director, Institute of the North

CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

While there are positive economic signs--such as an unemployment rate on the decline and increased housing starts--I am still concerned about the direction of the American economy. The Obama Administration continues to impose burdensome and excessive regulations that will hamper development, kill resource production, and ultimately make it more difficult for Americans to start businesses. These regulations are yet another 'fiscal cliff' for this country.

--U.S. Rep. Don Young

I'm very optimistic going into 2013. I expect Shell Alaska's offshore development to move forward, which represents jobs and opportunity for Alaskans in the region and in our cities. I'm working with federal regulators and permitting agencies to make sure good projects like this get developed. Our mining industry is also strong. The tourism sector continues its steady growth year-over-year and Alaska has the best fishing industry in the world. Alaska has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and we need to make sure we keep the state's business climate friendly to development of all kinds.

--U.S. Sen. Mark Begich

Alaska has some big opportunities on the horizon. Shell will return to the Arctic this coming summer to finish the two wells it started in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas. If Shell is successful in finding oil, it will...