Though the state Legislature is not scheduled to adjourn until sometime Wednesday, House and Senate negotiators have settled on a budget that will send $1,200 to every eligible Alaskan this fall — a $1,000 Permanent Fund dividend plus a $200 energy relief payment.
As Larry Persily with the Wrangell Sentinel reports, the $200 add-on is intended to share the wealth of increased state oil tax and royalty revenues. The state treasury is benefiting from higher oil prices due to global supply constraints caused by the U.S.-Iran war.
Last year’s dividend was $1,000, with no energy relief add-on.
The budget deal, which was expected to win final approval in the House and Senate before adjournment, also includes a one-time boost in education funding that includes state aid to help school districts cover their higher heating fuel bills and extra money for school operating expenses.
The one-year increase in state funding for schools, along with every other item in the legislative budget plan, is subject to reduction or a full veto by Gov. Mike Dunleavy before the state’s new fiscal year starts on July 1.
