Last week, U.S. District Judge John Sedwick found that Governor Dunleavy and his former Chief of Staff violated the constitutional rights of Alaskans employed at the Alaska Psychiatric Institute who refused to pledge allegiance to the governor.
I’ve heard from many people who wish to submit public comments on redistricting, and with the process moving quickly I want to provide you with a summary of what the Redistricting Board is considering.
Last week, the legislature funded a $1,100 permanent fund dividend for the second time this year after it was previously vetoed by the governor.
Before adjourning on Tuesday, the legislature funded a $1,110 PFD for the second time this year. Governor Dunleavy has signed it into law which means Alaskans can count on a dividend to be paid in October.
On Tuesday, the House passed an appropriations bill that appropriates a $1,100 permanent fund dividend and rejects the governor’s proposed $3 billion overdraw from the Earnings Reserve Account.
After Governor Dunleavy vetoed the Permanent Fund Dividend, Alaska Legal Services, public radio, care for foster children, and numerous other programs, he called a special session without putting an appropriations bill on the agenda.
Great news: A court has rejected Governor Dunleavy’s attempt to “sweep” the Power Cost Equalization endowment into the General Fund. This is great news, and protects affordable energy for 82,000 Alaskans in nearly 200 rural communities.
The August special session will begin on August 16. The governor modified the call to include his proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 6/HJR 7) to constitutionalize the dividend.
