[SMCC1]

The tax change came after the VECO scandal...the one people are going to business for. Operating budget increase was due new contracts with the unions (since prices of healthcare etc. have gone up) and also increased tax credits for explorers on the North Slope...a plus of the new tax system. It was designed to promote exploration. There was an article in the ADN about new explorers benefitting from the new system. She cut the crap out of the capital budget...wireless for 3rd graders.

[proud_yank]

It was designed to promote exploration. There was an article in the ADN about new explorers benefitting from the new system.

The tax structure under Palin was changed three times last year, making it very difficult (and expensive) to forecast and operate. Major north slope operators have had to cut back on the number of wells drilled, projects and new employees that were projected as a result.

People are still exploring, but her tax structures do not promote it. Regarding oil/gas industry taxes, AK has some of the highest in the nation. The ADN is a liberal rag.