Alaska governor proposes dividend, oil-wealth fund plan
by Becky Bohrer, The Associated Press
Posted May 12, 2021 8:56 pm EDT
Last Updated May 12, 2021 at 8:58 pm EDT
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy proposed Wednesday what he called a step toward a broader fiscal plan that includes placing in the state constitution a new formula for the annual check residents receive from Alaska’s oil-wealth fund.
The proposal, released a week before the scheduled end of the legislative session, also would restructure the Permanent Fund, rolling its spendable earnings reserve into the fund’s constitutionally protected principal, and place in the principal an endowment used to help communities with high electricity costs.
JUNEAU â Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy proposed Wednesday what he called a step toward a broader fiscal plan that includes placing in the state constitution a new formula for the annual check residents receive from Alaska s oil-wealth fund.
The proposal, released a week before the scheduled end of the legislative session, also would restructure the Permanent Fund, rolling its spendable earnings reserve into the fund s constitutionally protected principal, and place in the principal an endowment used to help communities with high electricity costs.
Dunleavy said the multibillion-dollar earnings reserve and the Power Cost Equalization endowment are at risk of being spent down and that the proposal would help settle long-running debates over issues that have become political footballs.
The spending plan includes an amendment to restrict publicly funded abortions that passed by three votes.
The House voted 23-16 to adopt a $4.2 billion budget in unrestricted general fund spending. It would be funded from taxes and Alaska Permanent Fund revenues.Â
The spending plan will be augmented by one-time federal money related to the Covid-19 pandemic that includes assistance for communities, small businesses and the summer tourism industry.
Details on the federal assistance are being worked out under guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department.
âThis is a fiscally conservative budget that protects Alaskaâs savings and low-tax fiscal climate for businesses and individuals,â said Rep. Kelly Merrick, an Eagle River Republican who co-chairs the House Finance Committee.Â