Permanent Fund Dividend Debate

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Time is running out in this legislative session to resolve what size dividend should be paid to residents from the state’s oil-wealth fund.

The Alaska Senate debated a bill on Wednesday, May 4 that would change the PFD formula.

The measure would pay a 50-50 PFD this year at roughly $2,600 to every eligible Alaskan.

For the longer term, the bill says a dividend of that size would be contingent on the legislature approving new revenues of $800 million each year.

An amendment to pay a full PFD was rejected. The bill was then taken off the floor and sent back to the senate rules committee.

At this point, less than two weeks remain in the regular session and it is unclear if the house would support a bill like this.

The constitutional deadline for the session to end is May 18th.

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