JUNEAU — The House of Representatives today passed a bill that took the first step toward finalizing this year’s budget, including payment of an $1,100 Permanent Fund Dividend for every Alaskan.
House Bill 3003 passed 24-to-16 with unanimous support from the Alaska House Coalition.
“Today’s outcome provides certainty to Alaskans after the dividend was vetoed earlier this summer that much-needed cash will land in their bank accounts this fall,” Speaker Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak) said. “The dividend that found consensus is the most the state can afford to pay until Alaska’s structural budget deficit is resolved, a task we remain committed to taking on in the months ahead.”
Rep. Calvin Schrage (I-Anchorage), who served on the Fiscal Policy Working Group, added, “The job isn’t finished, but today was a step in the right direction that we took care of our most pressing concern—that Alaskans will receive a healthy dividend after it was vetoed earlier this summer. I look forward to the work we have ahead of us to resolve the recommendations of the Fiscal Policy Working Group.”
HB 3003 now heads to the Senate for consideration.
