THURSDAY AT 6 PM
The Permanent Fund dividend restoration bills will have their first public hearing on Thursday at 6 pm in the Senate State Affairs Committee.
SB 23 and SB 24 are Gov. Michael Dunleavy’s proposal to repay the Permanent Fund dividends that were not paid by the former governor and legislatures over the last three years, and to ensure that the full dividend is paid this year, according to the prior historic formula.
Alaskans with an opinion can have their voices heard during the hearing. Sen. Mike Shower is the chair of the committee.
The proposal would give to eligible Alaskans Permanent Fund dividends of $1,061 in 2019, $1,289 in 2020, and $1,328 in 2021, for those who have been in the state and were eligible for dividends in 2016, 2017, and 2018 respectively. The amount would be paid out of the Permanent Fund Earnings Reserve Account, which has $16.6 billion.
Anchorage callers: 907-563-9085
Juneau Callers: 907-586-9085
All other communities: 1-844-586-9085
Dunleavy campaigned on returning the portion of the dividend that was swept up by the former governor and legislatures as they sought to plug the fiscal gap for 2016-2020. He said the government budget should not be balanced on the backs of everyday Alaskans, who have suffered during the recent recession, and that returning the dividends to the people will help restore trust in government.
