Economy & Jobs
Alaska's economy is now at the bottom nationally. Forget business as usual, it's time for a governor with a real track record of building things.
"I don't live in a world of promises. I live in a world of performance. Government doesn't build things or create jobs, the private sector does."
Matt Heilala
Fiscal Transparency
Alaska is in crisis. Our operating revenues are in decline while spending continues to soar, fueling a persistent operating deficit of $500M to $1B annually. Oil volatility, over-reliance on the Permanent Fund, and unchecked waste have widened a generational gap we can no longer dodge.
On the first day as Governor, I will launch aggressive transparency using technology such as Palantir's Foundry platform, already transforming governments nationwide by tracing taxpayer dollars, rooting out fraud, and rebuilding trust. The era of shadowy finances is over. I will bring full visibility to every revenue source and expenditure.
We will expose the facts, verify our economy, tighten our belt, rebuild sustainable revenue, align Alaskans, and bridge the fiscal gap without excuses or delays. Transparency isn't optional, it's how we earn your trust and secure Alaska's future.
No New Taxes
For heaven's sake, how can politicians say to Alaskans, we need new revenues and taxes are the answer?
New taxes don't create new money. They take it from individuals and give it to the government. Every time you tax something you get: less work, less money, less investment, and less growth.
Winston Churchill once said, "To try and tax yourself to prosperity is like trying to lift yourself up by standing in a bucket and pulling on the handle." It's not going to work. As your Governor, I'll fight every day to bring new wealth and new jobs to Alaska, not take more from the people who already live here.
Permitting Reform
Government doesn't create jobs, the private sector does. As Governor, permitting reform will be job number one.
Our wildcatters are the explorers that take risks and find the natural resources that Alaskans need for opportunity. And when they tell me they can get a permit easier in California than in Alaska, that's going to change.
We need a culture of "Yes." When a business wants to invest, hire, and build in Alaska, every state agency should be asking "How do we make this happen?" instead of "Why can't we?" The regulatory playbook needs to be rewritten from the ground up. Fewer roadblocks, faster approvals, more investment, more jobs.
Healthcare Economics
As a practicing podiatric physician and surgeon with nearly 30 years in Alaska, and as the owner of multiple ambulatory surgery centers, medical practices, and clinics, I bring a unique perspective on both the economics and business of healthcare.
A strong healthcare system rests on four pillars: high-quality care, easy access without long wait times, reasonable costs, and a system that prevents burnout among our workforce. Economics drives it all. Reviving a booming Alaska economy is the single most powerful engine to fix these issues.
True reform must embrace market principles: expanding Health Savings Accounts, allowing insurance sales across state lines, ending Alaska's outdated Certificate of Need (CON) process, and promoting flexible, affordable coverage options. It's time to cut red tape, empower patients and providers, and reignite Alaska's economy.
Matt's Economic Commitments
Launch full fiscal transparency using modern technology
Veto any new income or sales taxes
Make permitting reform Job #1
End Alaska's outdated Certificate of Need process
Establish a culture of 'Yes' across all state agencies
Attract private sector investment to grow Alaska's economy
Cut bureaucratic red tape stifling business growth
Demand results and accountability from every state dollar spent