Alaska House Approves $3.8K PFD, Biggest Budget Item

Alaska's House Finance Committee just greenlit a budget draft, packing a $3,800 permanent

fund dividend for residents.

This full statutory payout follows the 1982 formula and marks the biggest single-budget

item at about $2,470,000.

The governor pitched this full dividend in his December plan.

To fund it, nearly $1,000,000 would tap the general fund with a simple majority vote,

about $1.5 billion polls from the man, $3 billion Constitutional Budget Reserve, needing

three-quarters approval from lawmakers.

Lawmakers split six to five after intense talks with all minority Republicans plus two

Democrats on board.

Supporters argue high oil prices from global tensions justify it, especially as folks

battle steep energy bills last year's $1,000 checks.

To over $618,000, Alaskans felt light by comparison.

Real spiking passed $100 a barrel, thanks to conflicts like the U.S. Israel, tensions

with Iran.

State revenue projections show an extra $1 billion rolling in this year and next, though

much is already slotted for overdue bills.

If that reserve vote stalls, 2026 dividends could shrink to about $1,500, still leaving

a roughly $100,000,000 shortfall.

The budget now rolls to the full house for debate, then the Senate and Governor's

desk could be game-changing cash for everyday Alaskans.

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