Alaska Senate votes for a $1,300 Energy Relief payment to Alaskan residents

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - In addition to receiving a permanent fund dividend (PFD) check this year, the Alaska Senate voted today, May 9, on issuing a $1,300 energy relief payment to qualified Alaskan residents.

The Associated Press (AP) reports the energy payment passed with a 12-7 vote as an amendment to the state budget package that senators are debating. The budget bill includes approximately $2,500 for a PFD payment along with the energy relief payment. The total payout to residents, this year, under this proposed bill would be in line with what Governor Dunleavy has advocated.

During Monday’s Senate debate, supporters stated, “The state can afford it and Alaskans are struggling with high energy costs.” Senate Finance committee Co-chair Bert Stedman argued against and claims, “The amendment is not fiscally prudent.”

The estimated cost of the energy payment is estimated to be $840 million.

The version of the budget that earlier passed the House included a permanent fund dividend of about $1,250 and a $1,300 energy payment.

The debate continued throughout the day.

Differences between the versions of the budget that individually pass the House and Senate are typically resolved in a conference committee.

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