Dunleavy to Legislature: Pay the remaining PFD now

HE IS HALTING EVICTIONS FOR THOSE IN AHFC HOUSING

Gov. Mike Dunleavy today asked the Alaska Legislature to release the $1,306 in Permanent Fund dividend payments that were owed to Alaskans under statute in 2019, but were kept from them by the Legislature last year.

“This is the quickest way to get relief to Alaskans to so they can pay their rent, buy gas, and keep on with their daily lives, he said. We can get those PFDs out in April, very fast,” he said.

“Never in the last 40 years has the payment of the PFD been more critical, and Congress itself is on the verge of enacting its own version of our dividend program to get cash in the hands of all Americans,” Dunleavy said. Alaskans are facing personal crises as they look for ways to make their next rent or house payment at the end of the month, and to buy food for their families, he said.

While federal relief payments appear to be headed for approval, many Alaskans need help right now, Dunleavy said, calling on the Legislature to act quickly with the most effective form of relief that could be made. It is a form of relief that depends on the authorization of the Legislature, as the governor cannot access the funds alone, Dunleavy said.

“We need to be there for them so no Alaskan slips through the cracks. Failure to act immediately on this will have devastating consequences on Alaska’s public health and could jeopardize our pandemic response.

“I urge our Legislature to follow the lead of Congress and take concrete action to safeguard the lives and welfare and the economy of Alaska now.

Please authorize, I’m asking the Legislature, please authorize the payment of the PFD now so Alaskans can receive this payment in April to help with their daily lives,” Dunleavy said.

Dunleavy also announced:

• Small business bridge loans at local lending institutions.
• Interest rates on these loans will match SBA, and be 100 percent guaranteed by the state
• Establishing a $1 billion fund for disaster relief, coming from existing accounts in government that are already in hand.
• Aggressively expanding unemployment insurance.
• Signing executive order to protect 13,000 Alaskans who receive rental assistance from AHFC. No evictions for 60 days.
• AHFC is being directed to suspend foreclosures and evictions immediately.
• Loan services are authorized to grant forbearance.
• Help for health care workers with more protective gear.
• $100 million to address the increased public health workload to combat the virus.
• More health safety equipment for state workers.
• Municipalities will be getting aid. Resources will be set aside to help local governments cope with the loss of sales tax and other revenue.

This story is being updated. Check back…