Alaska doesn't have a budget problem; Alaska has a bribery problem. Alaska allows oil companies to extract fair payment for production services plus 90% of the equity owners normally keep. The big 3 are now making $17+ per barrel plus cost. About $3.2 billion per year. (ConocoPhillips' quarterly reports) BP, and Exxon are producing for OPEC countries at $1 per barrel plus costs. If the Legislature cut their $17 to $3.76 per barrel their Alaska profits would exceed their international average, and Alaska would receive an additional $2.5 billion. Ten years ago I helped the FBI bust 6 legislators for taking bribes to give our oil away. For 6 years the big 3 lost control and Alaska saved up $16 Billion; the savings this Legislature is reaching into to cover the deficit; savings now depleted because we're once again giving oil away. Why would Alaska's legislators agree to pay four and one half times more than a fair market payment for production services? bribery is only one logical answer.