The Alaska House of Representatives has voted to approve a $2,200 Permanent Fund Dividend for this fall, a sign that it is abandoning a long-term deficit solution in favor of a one-year budget needed to avert a statewide government shutdown.<\/p>\n
The 26-14 vote came Wednesday as lawmakers debated amendments to the state’s capital construction budget. The higher PFD amount was Amendment No. 1.<\/p>\n
“At this point, it looks like we may be leaving this building with only a budget and without a comprehensive plan,” said Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux, R-Anchorage and the sponsor of the amendment.<\/p>\n
“Without this amendment, we are headed for a budget that reduces the people’s PFD. And to this, Mr. Speaker, I say not only no, but hell no,” she added.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, the House approved a $1,250 dividend as part of its statewide operating budget proposal, one that was tied to a comprehensive fix for the state’s $2.7 billion annual deficit.<\/p>\n
Wednesday’s vote was along neither caucus nor party lines. Twelve Democrats voted for it, as did 14 Republicans. Two independents voted against it, as did five Democrats and seven Republicans.<\/p>\n
Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, joined others in support of the amendment.<\/p>\n
“If we are not going to change the law, I think it is incumbent upon us to follow the law,” he said in a floor speech.<\/p>\n
From Juneau, Rep. Sam Kito III, D-Juneau, voted against the higher dividend. Rep. Justin Parish, D-Juneau, voted for it.<\/p>\n
“I’d rather not say anything … until we’re done with the bill,” Kito said as more amendments were presented.<\/p>\n
Parish was more willing to discuss his vote.<\/p>\n
“As part of a fair and comprehensive plan, I would support using part of the dividend,” he said. “However, if we’re not asking anything of the oil industry and if we’re not asking anything of the 20 percent of nonresident workers in the state, I can’t in good conscience ask every one of my constituents … to contribute $1,100 to state government and the oil industry.”<\/p>\n
Wednesday’s vote is a sign that members of the coalition House Majority are willing to make a short-term deal to avoid a government shutdown.<\/p>\n
If the Legislature fails to pass a budget — and find a way to pay for it —before July 1, many state services will shut down for lack of funding.<\/p>\n