A Fresh Path to Keep Alaska’s Workers and Services Strong

Alaska is losing its public workers faster than it can hire new ones. About 3,000 jobs are empty right now—nearly one‑sixth of all state positions. The loss costs the budget a lot of money in temporary help, bonuses and overtime, and it slows down everything from fire fighting to health care.

The problem started in 2006 when the state stopped offering full‑benefit pensions for new hires. Since then, many employees have left for better pay and security elsewhere, while those who stay are stretched thin. A year‑long hiring freeze has only made the situation worse, leaving many citizens without timely services.

Employees in all corners of Alaska—firefighters, nurses, food‑assistance workers, road crews, scientists and more—are the backbone of daily life. They are now expected to do the work of two or three people without extra pay, and a recent salary survey showed that 83 % of state wages are below what the market offers. The result is a steady drain of talent and morale.

The ripple effects are visible: delayed SNAP and Medicaid paperwork has left some families hungry or without health care; a costly mistake in the state’s transportation plan cost millions of federal dollars; and payroll glitches have caused employees to miss paydays. These incidents hurt not just the workers but also local businesses and communities that rely on smooth government operations.

Beyond the numbers, there is a deeper human cost: teachers leaving classrooms disrupt learning; families miss out on benefits; and exhausted workers carry the weight of many jobs. The state’s failure to protect its workforce has turned public service into a burden rather than a duty.

A solution is already on the table: HB 78, which proposes a modest shared‑risk pension plan for public employees. The bill aims to restore financial stability for workers while keeping the state’s budget under control. If passed, it could help bring back confidence among staff and improve the quality of services offered to all Alaskans.

Alaska’s future depends on treating its public workers with the respect and security they deserve, so that the state can once again thrive as a great place to live and work.