The bill would draw $1.1 billion from the state’s main savings account, the Constitutional Budget Reserve — mostly because of the recent collapse in oil prices. That means the state’s savings will be near the minimum it needs to pay the bills.
"2021 state budget"
Ten things to know about what the Alaska Legislature is doing
Alaska’s Legislature has been working to finish the state budget and pass bills in response to the coronavirus, and lawmakers could leave Juneau as soon as Friday.
Senate adds $1,000 stimulus checks before sending budget back to House
Wasilla Republican Sen. Mike Shower proposed the payment as an amendment to the budget bill. Senators intend for the payments to be made immediately after the bill passes.
Alaska Senate to debate $1,000 dividend
Analysts project that if the Legislature were to combine the dividend with COVID-19 relief, the state would have to make the first unplanned draw from permanent fund earnings.
Alaska House passes budget at rapid pace, leaving dividends until later
Members of the Republican House minority voted against the budget, citing the lack of PFD funding.
Dunleavy, legislators search for solutions to Alaska’s budget gap
After thinking about it for a year, Gov. Mike Dunleavy says he’s not opposed to putting budget cuts to a vote of the people.
Senate leaders share interest in a new formula for ‘sustainable’ PFD
Permanent fund dividends used to be calculated using a formula set out in a 1982 law. But after oil prices fell five years ago, things changed.
Alaska lawmakers receive sobering view of state budget challenges
The state of Alaska could eliminate funding for much of what it does, and it still wouldn’t cover the projected $1.5 billion budget gap.
Dunleavy: Recall campaign ‘not affecting how I do my job’
In an interview, Gov. Mike Dunleavy says he’s open to working with the Legislature to solve much of Alaska’s long-term budget problem.
Sponsor says elections initiative has enough signatures to be placed on ballot
Several ballot initiatives and village public safety are among the issues likely to draw attention ahead of the upcoming legislative session.