Alaskans have been getting Permanent Fund dividends for 37 years. But for the last few years those checks have been cut, because lawmakers want the money to pay the state’s bills.
Alaska’s new governor wants to make good on a campaign promise to pay the money the government kept and keep those oil money checks coming. His plan? Deep cuts to the state’s budget. But the state has a lot of expenses. And the Legislature will have its own say in how the money is spent.
On “Paying Dividends,” from KTOO and Alaska Public Media, we’ll follow the money through the Legislature and talk to the people in power and the Alaskans affected by their decisions.
Paying Dividends, Episode 6: Between Now and October
The Alaska Senate’s plan for finding the money to pay full dividends includes breaking into the most sacrosanct of the state’s piggy banks.
Read More »Paying Dividends, Episode 5: The Senate’s Turn
Where do Alaska's leading senators stand on the governor's proposed budget and what do they see happening next?
Read More »Paying Dividends, Episode 4: Taking the Show on the Road
Gov. Mike Dunleavy and members of the House Finance Committee hit the road talking about the budget and Alaskans across the state weigh in.
Read More »Paying Dividends, Episode 3: Juggling Act
In this episode, we go back to the Capitol, to talk to Alaska lawmakers about what next year’s budget and PFD are actually going to look like.
Read More »Paying Dividends, Episode 2: Betting the Farm
In order to make good on his promise to pay full dividends, the governor is proposing steep cuts to the state’s budget.
Read More »Paying Dividends, Episode 1: Making Good
When he was on the campaign trail, Gov. Michael Dunleavy promised to pay PFDs of more than $6,000. And now, he’s trying to make good on that promise.
Read More »Coming Soon: Paying Dividends
Want to know what's keeping Alaska's lawmakers up at night?
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