The unusual letter to the Senate Finance Committee co-chairs said “action must be taken” on the PFD funding bill requested by Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
Andrew Kitchenman
State Government Reporter, Alaska Public Media & KTOO
State government plays an outsized role in the life of Alaskans. As the state continues to go through the painful process of deciding what its priorities are, I bring Alaskans to the scene of a government in transition.
A redistricting proposal has left Homer neighbors feeling stranded, highlighting a complex process
It’s a challenge for Alaska’s Redistricting Board to keep one area together without affecting others.
Alaska House members pitch PFD changes that aim to solve long-term budget problem
Under three of the proposals, dividends would be bigger than the checks Alaskans have gotten in recent years. But they would still be smaller than what Gov. Mike Dunleavy wants.
Alaska state senators differ on PFD path as committees fail to meet during first half of special session
Three different groups of senators emphasize different options in weighing future of state budget.
Two Alaska senators have tested positive for COVID, and a third is ill and undergoing testing
The three senators have not had close contact with anyone currently working in the Capitol, according to the Senate president’s office.
Alaska lawmakers say they want compromise on PFD, but it’s unclear how they’ll get there
At the end of the third special session, the Senate Finance Committee put forward a major bill. It would balance the state budget and by 2025 would allow permanent fund dividends at the level proposed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy. But it would require $700 million in taxes for the higher PFDs to happen.