1/25/12 Newscast - Alaska has ample reserves but isn't paying what it owes the state retirement benefits system; Two rural papers are combining into one

By Joaqlin Estus

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kbc/local-kbc-1001343.mp3

Anchorage, AK – Alaska has $13 billion in savings, $20 billion in a permanent fund, and a $3.7 billion dollar surplus this year. Yet, investment losses and errors in projected future costs have left the state retirement benefits system short $11 billion. An analyst told the Legislative Finance Committee if it paid $2 billion into the system now, it would save $5 billion in the long run. The new publisher of newspapers for Bristol Bay and Unalaska is combining them into one.