A few years ago, during a time when we in Juneau were hopelessly spending more than we took in and trying to cut major programs to reduce spending, the Longevity Bonus was debated and eliminated. In the process, many seniors, the most solid and deserving group of Alaskans, were placed in a financial bind.

We now have a very different financial picture in Juneau. Sky-high oil prices have put billions in our coffers. It's time to have a second look at what some have described as the "abandonment of the aged." In other words, now is the time to make up for taking, at least in part, the Longevity Bonus from seniors.

In Alaska, we have honored and given financial exemptions to the elderly for good reason. They built this state. They took raw land and turned it into homes, businesses, highways, bridges and parks. Seniors were the ones who made it comfortable for us to live here. They labored their entire lives to make Alaska productive and safe for us.

To help give them back their due, I offer House Bill 299, which would increase the property tax exemption for senior's age 65 and older from $150,000 to $250,000. I filed the bill last session and am seeking hearings in Juneau. Despite the appropriate time and our ability to help seniors, there are opponents that insist seniors cost the government too much and are getting a "free ride."

Nothing could be further from the truth. HB 299 does not give seniors one dime of taxpayer's money. It enables them to keep more of their own money by lowering taxes paid on their homes. This is straight, level justice to a group that is a large percentage of our population, and definitely not getting a free ride. Remember, they built Alaska from the ground up.

If government needs more money, it should obtain it by doing the exact opposite. It should spend less, delete the over generous giveaway programs and allow the private sector to blossom. In particular, the proposed gas line should be allowed to proceed as the market demands, not government forcing it into existence with state ownership or dictating where it's built.

Many seniors understood they would have the Longevity Bonus and the property tax exemption as a reward for enduring many years living and working in a harsh environment and creating the moral fabric of our society. First the bonus is taken from them and now many are at risk of losing their homes because they can't keep up with their taxes. I remind you that even if you have paid off your mortgage, you still don't own your house outright. You essentially rent it from the state, and if you don't keep up with your taxes, government takes it from you.

My Dad and Mom are of the generation that was hurt by taking away the Longevity Bonus and are under the strain of excessive property taxes. We should never forget that our generation owes much to theirs. They fought in World War II defending our freedom so we could grow up to reward them by reducing their financial security? Not on my watch. It's time we did what's right for our parents. Please join me in supporting HB 299.

Representative Kohring serves Wasilla and the Mat-Su in the Alaska State Legislature

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