JUNEAU – Preceding the House Finance Committee introducing the Operating Budget Committee Substitute tomorrow, the Alaska House Coalition unveiled its plan to pay Alaskans a one-time Energy Relief Check in addition to the annual Permanent Fund Dividend. The check will help supplement Alaskans who are hurting from rising fuel costs, record inflation, and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Between the negative economic effects of COVID and escalating energy costs, our residents are suffering,” said Speaker Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak). “With the influx of new revenue, we are in a position to provide an Energy Relief Check to Alaskans and that is exactly what the House Coalition intends to do.
“The cost of fuel is skyrocketing across the country, but nowhere is that more acutely being felt than in rural Alaska,” said Rep. Neal Foster (D-Nome). “An Energy Relief Check of $1,300, on top of the Permanent Fund Dividend, is exactly what Alaskans need now.”
“As the Co-Chair of the House Finance Committee, I see the budget impacts that high energy prices are having on Alaskan families,” said Rep. Kelly Merrick (R-Eagle River). “With the amount of revenue coming through the state right now, providing an Energy Relief Check is the right thing to do.”
“Fuel prices could very well double by the end of the year,” said Rep. Bryce Edgmon (I-Dillingham). “This Energy Relief Check will provide immediate assistance to the Alaskans who are bearing the brunt of these sharply climbing energy costs.”
