Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a proclamation calling the Alaska Legislature into special session beginning May 20 to complete work on the state budget and to act on his constitutional amendment protecting the Permanent Fund, Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), and power cost equalization (PCE).
This is phase one of two efforts to fix several of the state’s fiscal condition and to regain the trust of Alaskans as it pertains to their Permanent Fund dividends. The capital budget and supplemental budgets are also in the proclamation.
Never before has an Alaska governor given a legislature as much notice about a special session. Dunleavy sources said it was a sign of him trying to work in good faith with the leaders of all four caucuses.
“It is clear from my conversations with legislative leaders that more time is needed to complete this year’s budget and to address a long-term, permanent solution to protecting the Permanent Fund and PFD. Consequently, today I’m calling a 30-day special sessions to give lawmakers additional time to complete those tasks” Dunleavy said. “Nothing is more important than giving Alaskans a long-term solution to our fiscal challenges, and this session is an important first step.”
The first special session begins May 20, 2021 and directs work on three topics:
- FY22 Operating Budget & Mental Health Budget (HB 69/HB 71)
- FY22 Permanent Fund Dividend (HB 72/SB 52)
- Constitutional Amendment protecting the Permanent Fund, PFD, and PCE (SJR 6/HJR 7)
Dunleavy also set a second special session to address other elements of a comprehensive state fiscal plan including a constitutional spending limit, consideration of new revenue measures, a prohibition on new taxes without voter approval, and appropriations of federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act funds.
The second special session is Aug. 2, 2021 and directs work on four topics:
- Constitutional Amendment to establish an appropriation limit (HJR 6/ SJR 5)
- Constitutional Amendment to prohibit new state taxes without voter approval (HJR 8/ SJR 7)
- Appropriations of federal relief funds, including ARP funds
- Potential measures to increase state revenues
