Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a statement regarding Saturday’s failed concurrence vote on HB 281 in the Alaska House, a bill that would have provided a statutory Permanent Fund dividend, a robust capital budget, and increased education funding.
“It is important for Alaskans to remember the budget process is not yet concluded,” Dunleavy said, hinting that he was still hopeful that the Legislature would resolve the matter appropriately in conference committee.
“I continue to believe the revenue picture is in Alaska’s favor, I continue to believe the budget should be balanced, and I continue to believe the amount of uncertainty in the world due to inflation and higher prices allows state government to have a final budget that is balanced and helps Alaskans – because we have the tools to make that happen.
“We as policy makers need to understand that the serious financial issues facing Alaskan families, mainly rising costs due to inflation, should be at the forefront of the budget process.
“We can never lose sight of why we are here, it’s the people of Alaska.”
Earlier, the Alaska House of Representatives denied Alaskans their full Permanent Fund dividend for the six year in a row.
