Working group seeks a path forward on PFDs amid heated debate

The size of this year’s permanent fund dividend looms over every other issue facing the Alaska state government.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy made PFDs the only subject of the special legislative session beginning July 8 in Wasilla. Some legislators are hopeful that a new, eight-person working group will lay the groundwork for resolving the issue — at least for this year.

Legislators have been arguing over how much Alaskans should receive in their annual dividend since the price of oil dropped more than four years ago.

Group co-chair Rep. Jennifer Johnston says when it comes to PFDs, many lawmakers have entrenched positions. But the Anchorage Republican is hopeful the working group can offer a fresh perspective.

Read more: https://www.alaskapublic.org/2019/06/18/working-group-seeks-a-path-forward-on-pfds-amid-heated-debate/