ANCHORAGE — New data from the Alaska Department of Labor’s 2024 residency and employment report shows that nearly one in four workers in Alaska do not live in the state, raising concerns about the long-term health of Alaska’s economy and the fairness of Governor Mike Dunleavy’s proposed statewide sales tax.

The report finds that approximately 23 percent of Alaska jobs are held by non-residents, many of them in high-paying oil, gas, and mining jobs. In 2024, non-resident workers earned nearly $4 billion in Alaska wages. Because many of these workers live outside Alaska most of the year, much of that income is spent in other states.

Gubernatorial candidate Tom Begich said, “These findings highlight serious challenges for Alaska families and workers.”

“This is not good news for our state,” Begich said. “When so many of our highest-paying jobs go to people who don’t live here, less money stays in our communities and Alaskans have fewer opportunities.”

Dunleavy’s Sales Tax Would Shift More Costs Onto Alaska Families

Begich said, “The new workforce data makes the governor’s proposed statewide sales tax even more troubling.”

Under the proposal, Alaskans would pay higher prices on everyday goods such as groceries, fuel, and school supplies.“Nearly one in four workers in Alaska are non-residents,” Begich said. “Many of them live in other states most of the year. While they spend some money here, most of their everyday spending happens back home.”

“That means a statewide sales tax would fall mostly on the people who live here year-round,” he added.

Begich said the plan asks Alaska families to shoulder more of the state’s costs while much of Alaska’s income continues to flow outside our state.

“Under this plan, Alaska residents are asked to pay more, while many non-resident workers pay less,” Begich said. “That is not fair. Working families should not be asked to carry more of the burden.”

Putting Alaska Workers First

Begich also emphasized the need to strengthen local hiring and workforce development, particularly in the state’s major resource industries.

“We should be training and hiring more Alaskans,” he said. “Our goal should be an economy where people can build careers here, raise families here, and invest in their own communities.”

Begich called for stronger Alaska-hire policies, expanded workforce training, and closer accountability for companies operating in the state.

“When our resources are developed, Alaska workers should benefit first,” he said.

Campaign Contact: alex@tombegichforalaska.com