Republicans on House Finance Committee say no to zeroing out PFD
By Alaska House Republicans on Comments Off on Republicans on House Finance Committee say no to zeroing out PFD
JUNEAU, Alaska — Republican members of the House Finance Committee last week unanimously opposed a committee substitute for the state operating budget that effectively zeroes out the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend.
The PFD elimination was part of a new committee substitute (CS) for House Bill 253 (State Operating Budget) that was adopted in committee in a 6-5 vote.
“The full House Finance Committee should have had the opportunity to carefully deliberate the impacts and intent of these structural changes to the budget,” Rep. Jeremy Bynum, R-Ketchikan, said. “Making the decision in a vacuum to advance this proposed substitute is not best practice.”
“The committee substitute deposits the entirety of the draw from the dividend fund to the general fund,” Rep. Will Stapp, R-Fairbanks, said. “We went from a budget deficit to a budget surplus because they deleted the permanent fund dividend from the budget. Just so the public understands, how we are getting to a surplus is there is no appropriation for a PFD currently. This is not the norm. This is an intentional choice to put all of the funds that we typically appropriate for the permanent fund dividend into the general fund for future appropriation.”
“There are serious policy implications here,” Rep. Elexie Moore, R-Wasilla, said. “This is not normal, and we should not be moving forward in this way. Alaskans deserve a budget process that is clear, transparent and certain.”
“The House Democrat Majority’s decision to exclude the PFD from the budget is a setback for families across our state,” said Rep. Frank Tomaszewski, R-Fairbanks. “While this change impacts the financial security many people rely on, I remain confident in our ability to find a path forward. I will continue to advocate for a comprehensive fiscal plan that provides lasting stability for Alaska, ensuring that the PFD remains a reliable pillar for households. I am committed to working toward a sustainable solution that honors our commitments and strengthens our state for generations to come.”
“We swore to follow the law as legislators,” said Rep. Jamie Allard, R-Eagle River. “This is breaking the trust of all Alaskans.”
JUNEAU, Alaska — Republican members of the House Finance Committee last week unanimously opposed a committee substitute for the state operating budget that effectively zeroes out the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend.
